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.
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.
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.
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.