SAIF in Oregon Reports Ice Caused Most Workplace Slips, Trips, Falls in 7 Years

SAIF in Oregon, which reported receiving 400-plus claims after January’s winter weather, said more Oregon workers were injured from slips, trips, and falls due to snow or ice than during any other storm since January 2017.

SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation company, received 414 claims in January related to slips, trips, and falls from snow or ice. The count included 151 in SAIF’s Northern region, which includes the Portland metropolitan area. It also includes 58 in SAIF’s valley region, including Salem.

The carrier also offered some advice on updating procedures during icy or snowy conditions:

• Allow staff to leave early or arrive late if conditions are expected to change.
• Create an inclement weather plan and ensure it outlines who will be responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, and pathways, and when those employees should safely arrive to begin those tasks if you open late.
• Use ice cleats If employees work outside–simple studded or spiked devices that attach to footwear–to help prevent slips.
• Use floor mats at building entryways by placing a wiper or scraper/wiper combo floor mat (a heavy-duty mat designed to wipe and scrape debris and moisture off shoes) at building entryways.