Winter Workers’ Comp Risks | Common Exposure Points Agents Should Watch

Winter Workers’ Comp: Common Exposure Points Agents Should Watch

Workers’ Comp claims during winter are rarely tied to extreme weather events alone. More often, they stem from routine job duties performed under winter conditions.

Understanding where exposure increases allows agents to guide better conversations — before injuries occur.

Common winter Workers’ Comp exposure points

Across industries, winter can increase Workers’ Comp exposure through:

• Slip-and-fall incidents at building entrances and parking areas

• Winter driving accidents during normal job duties

• Cold-related fatigue and reduced focus

• Bulky clothing or footwear that affects movement

• Seasonal staffing changes or temporary workers

• Reduced visibility during shorter daylight hours

These risks impact everything from retail and service businesses to professional offices and contractors.

Why winter injuries often happen

Many winter injuries occur because work routines don’t change, even though conditions do. Employees take the same paths, follow the same schedules, and complete the same tasks without adjusting for seasonal hazards.

When winter conditions become “normal,” risk awareness often fades — even though exposure remains elevated.

How agents can add value

Winter is an ideal time for agents to reinforce proactive safety conversations by encouraging clients to:

• Review winter safety reminders with employees

• Clarify expectations for winter driving and travel

• Check walkways, lighting, and entrances regularly

• Consider how seasonal conditions impact daily operations

These conversations help clients understand risk before it becomes a claim — and strengthen the agent-client relationship in the process.