According to the latest CPSC data, in 2022, there were an estimated 124,700 winter sports-related injuries treated in emergency rooms nationwide. Of all injuries:
53% occurred during snow skiing and snowboarding,
17% during ice hockey,
16% while ice skating,
10% while using toboggans, sleds, and snow discs,
and 4% while using snowmobiles.
Many of these incidents can be avoided by following some practical safety tips.
Winter Sports Safety – Helmets Make a Difference
Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves, and padding.
Wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the risk of a head injury.
Wear the right helmet for the activity. Check out our helmet safety publication Which Helmet for Which Activity for more information.
Check that equipment is working properly prior to use.
Snow Blower – Clear Snow Safely
Do NOT try to clear snow from the discharge chute of a snow blower with your hands – this is when most snow blower injuries happen.
NEVER leave a gas-powered snow blower running in an enclosed area. The exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, which can kill in minutes.
To avoid fire, do not add gasoline to a running or hot engine; always keep the gasoline in a gas can or portable gasoline container with a child-resistant closure to prevent child poisonings.
Check for Recalls
Check your home before bringing out winter-related products, check if your products were previously recalled.
Report any unsafe products or any incidents where someone was injured by a product to CPSC at saferproducts.gov.
