WCB Nova Scotia urges employers and workers to stay vigilant as slips, trips and falls rise well above typical levels
Snow and ice-related workplace injuries are running roughly 40 per cent higher than at the same point last winter, according to new data from WCB Nova Scotia. Through January 30, the board received 278 snow and ice-related injury claims this season, compared with 197 at the same time last year and 217 in the winter of 2023–24.
Weather-related claims up, but overall rate still low
While Nova Scotia’s overall rate of time-loss injuries is at an all-time low, WCB officials say the winter trend is a clear warning sign for employers and workers.
“This winter in Nova Scotia, we are seeing more injuries as a result of the weather,” says Shelly Dauphinee, chief engagement officer at WCB Nova Scotia, responsible for prevention. “Overall, workplace injuries in Nova Scotia are at an all-time low. But this year, we’ve seen 278 claims so far resulting from slips, trips and falls.”
On a daily basis, that translates to an average of about seven weather-related injuries per day, up from four to five per day in recent winters.
Injuries peak days after storms
WCB’s analysis of nearly 1,700 winter-weather claims over the past three seasons shows that winter injuries do not peak during a storm, but in the days immediately following.
“We now have an opportunity to look at our data and we see that injuries are occurring two to three days after a snowstorm,” Dauphinee says. “That gives us insight. It allows us to say, hey, we know exactly when you should be creating messages for safety for your supervisors and for your workers.”
About two-thirds of winter workplace injuries involve slips, trips and falls, most often on outdoor surfaces such as icy sidewalks, uncleared walkways and exterior stairs. Many of those incidents have serious consequences. Across the last three winters, 121 workers reported broken bones and 58 experienced head injuries, including concussions.
One of the worst single days in recent years came on February 18, 2025, when 48 workers were injured on snow and ice. Looking back further, February 23, 2015 — in what WCB calls the snowiest winter on record in the province — saw 69 workers injured in a single day.
“These are injuries that are absolutely preventable,” Dauphinee says. “Sometimes we think safety can be complicated, but these are small things employers can do and workers can do to protect themselves.”
Expectations for employers: plan ahead and maintain surfaces
With more storms in the forecast, WCB is urging employers to treat winter weather as a predictable, manageable hazard.
“Employers, you need to clear and treat your surfaces,” Dauphinee says. “Think about your contracts for maintenance. Is it possible to have those surfaces treated before your workers come to work? And what does the upkeep look like once the snow comes down?”
In practice, that means ensuring snow and ice are removed promptly from parking lots, walkways, stairs and building entrances, and that sanding or salting continues for several days after a storm as melt and refreeze conditions develop. Supervisors should also be reinforcing winter safety messages during pre-shift talks and toolbox meetings, WCB says.
Dauphinee adds that simple reminders can make a difference: “We all rush into work in the morning and may not be paying attention. If we’re just mindful, maybe our supervisor takes care to say, in the morning when you come in, remember the surfaces are slippery and therefore tread carefully, take slower steps.”
Workers urged to slow down, gear up and stay connected
For workers, WCB’s guidance focuses on behaviour and equipment. The board recommends wearing winter boots or ice cleats with good traction, keeping hands free for balance, taking shorter steps and slowing down — particularly on stairs and in parking areas.
“Think about stairs that are icy. Think about encouraging employees to use the handrails, making sure those handrails are salted and sanded, making sure that people have proper footwear,” Dauphinee says. “It’s not just about the first instance. These injuries are occurring one, two and three days post-weather event, and so it’s about that ongoing maintenance.”
The push around winter safety is part of Safer Workplaces Together, Nova Scotia’s joint prevention framework led by WCB, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and other partners. One of its key priorities is musculoskeletal injuries, which are common outcomes of slips, trips and falls on snow and ice.
Dauphinee also highlights the role of facility and maintenance staff in keeping others safe, calling them “safety champions” for their work clearing, sanding and salting sites before most employees arrive.
“We can’t prevent the weather, but we can prevent weather-related injuries,” she says. “As this storm passes, we want everyone to be mindful of their safety, especially over the next few days.”
