Winter weather brings with it snow and ice that has the potential to create dangerous conditions on roads and sidewalks. Slippery surfaces can significantly increase the risk of slip and fall accidents, which can cause serious injuries.
The U.S. Postal Service is drawing attention to the hazards that letter carriers face when delivering mail. It is urging customers to ensure their porches, stairways and sidewalks are clear of ice and snow. Customers who receive curbside deliveries should ensure letter carriers have safe and easy mailbox access that is not blocked by snow piles.
More than 50 Central Illinois District letter carriers are injured each year from slip and fall accidents due to ice and snow encountered on their delivery routes. The district manager reminded customers that sprinkling sand or salt on slippery surfaces is a simple way to prevent falls.
Melting ice can be dangerous as it can make walking surfaces such as concrete or painted wood extra slippery. The U.S. Postal Service said letter carriers would try to deliver customers’ mail in a timely manner. However, delivery services may suffer delays or be stopped whenever conditions are deemed unsafe.
While the risk of slip and fall accidents is likely to increase due to the ice and snow that winter weather brings, falls can occur at any time and during any season. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg.