Winter Slip and Falls: Protecting Your Home and Guests

Winter in Canada brings snow, ice, and freezing rain, which, according to Statistics Canada, are the leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents.

For homeowners, these incidents aren’t just about injuries; they can also lead to costly liability claims. Here’s what Canadian homeowners should know to reduce risk and protect themselves throughout the winter months.

Slip-and-fall accidents often occur near the home and are preventable. Common winter-related causes include:

• Icy walkways and driveways from freezing rain, melting snow, or refreezing overnight
• Snow-covered steps and porches that hide slippery ice underneath
• Poor drainage that allows water to pool and freeze
• Worn or smooth outdoor surfaces that lose traction when wet or icy
• Inadequate lighting making icy patches hard to see
• Improper or delayed snow removal, especially during storms or temperature swings

These hazards can affect not only homeowners, but also delivery drivers, neighbours, guests, and service providers visiting the property.

How Homeowners Can Reduce Slip and Fall Risks

Canadian homeowners have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to keep their property safe. Practical prevention measures include:

1. Clear Snow and Ice Promptly

• Shovel walkways, steps, and driveways as soon as possible after snowfall
• Revisit cleared areas during freeze–thaw cycles, when refreezing is common

2. Use Ice Melt and Traction Aids

• Apply sand, salt, or eco-friendly ice melt to high-traffic areas
• Pay extra attention to stairs, ramps, entrances and areas where water may pool

3. Improve Outdoor Lighting

• Ensure pathways, entrances, and stairs are well-lit
• Replace burnt-out bulbs and consider motion-sensor lights

4. Maintain Safe Surfaces

• Repair cracked steps, loose handrails, and uneven walkways
• Consider anti-slip treads or mats for outdoor stairs

5. Manage Water and Drainage

• Keep eavestroughs clear to prevent runoff freezing below
• Redirect downspouts away from walkways

6. Warn Visitors

• Use temporary signage or cones during particularly icy conditions
• Verbally alert guests if conditions are hazardous

Taking these steps not only helps prevent injuries, but it also demonstrates due diligence if an accident occurs.

How Slip and Falls Affect Home Insurance Liability

If someone is injured after slipping or falling on your property, you could be held legally responsible. This is where personal liability coverage under your home insurance policy becomes essential.

A typical Canadian home insurance policy may help cover:

• Medical expenses for the injured person
• Legal fees if a lawsuit is brought against you
• Settlements or court-awarded damages, up to your policy limits

However, coverage can depend on whether reasonable precautions were taken.

Failure to maintain safe conditions, such as leaving icy walkways untreated, could complicate a claim.

At HUB SmartCoverage, we encourage homeowners to think proactively about winter safety, not just to protect guests, but to protect their financial well-being too.

Winter slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common home-related risks in Canada, but many are preventable through consistent maintenance and awareness. A few actions can help keep everyone safe and help ensure your liability coverage responds in the event the unexpected happens.