Winter accident prevention: Slips, trips, falls Published Jan. 19, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Earlandez M. Young 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Slips, trips, and falls compose the majority of general accidents. Winter weather can increase the chances unless due diligence is paid to prevention. In many instances, winter weather leaves snow, ice and water in its wake led to the loss of balance that resulted in broken wrists, ankles, bruises and lacerations. "The majority of slips, trips, and falls are from lack of situational awareness," said Master Sgt. Michael Marshall, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Safety office. "We know what the conditions are outside yet we get caught up in a task and simply forget to pay attention to our surroundings." Fairchild members aren't the only ones falling prey to these awkward tumbles. Nationwide, almost one in every five work-related injuries results from a slip, trip or fall, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In most cases, employees return to work after three to four days of medical treatment and rest. The seriousness of these incidents may surprise some, as falls kill more than 12,000 people a year--about 1,200 of them at work. That makes them the biggest cause of workplace fatalities after motor vehicle accidents. "Remember that no matter how well snow and ice is removed from parking lots or sidewalks, you may still encounter slippery surfaces when walking outside during the winter," said Staff Sgt. Matthugh Crosby, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Safety office."Even though there are many situations that can cause slips, trips and falls, most of them can be prevented by eliminating workplace hazards and by behavior modification."