With all the great hills around Ontario, many sports enthusiasts head to the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding during the winter months. This Family Day Weekend will likely be no exception. Taking precautions to prevent personal injuries while on the hill should be a top priority for all skiers and snowboarders.
Skiing Injuries
Skiers and snowboarders can take a number of steps to help reduce the risk of suffering injuries like sprains, broken bones, back or neck injuries, spinal cord injuries and head injuries. Ferguson Barristers encourages you to follow these tips which are based on the Alpine Responsibility Code and the Canadian Ski Council website to help keep safe:
- wear a helmet specifically designed for skiing or snowboarding
- always stay in control on the slopes
- never sit or stand in the middle of a trail
- obey signs regarding closed trails
- if unfamiliar with ski lifts, ask an operator for assistance
Ski Lift Safety
It is particularly important to ensure you are using proper procedures when loading and unloading from chair lifts. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), which is responsible for regulating the safety of chair lifts in Ontario, reports that user behaviour is the major cause of falls from chair lifts. Consequently, it is imperative that you ask an operator for assistance if you are unfamiliar with, or have any questions about, using the chair lift.
Whether or not you take to the slopes this weekend, Ferguson Barristers personal injury lawyers wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Family Day Weekend.
