FACTS
- Inadequate Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper support or slip resistance can lead to slips, trips, and falls, especially in areas prone to wet or uneven surfaces.
- Lack of Emergency Preparedness: Students and staff unprepared for emergencies may face increased risks during incidents such as evacuations or lockdowns.
- Cluttered Walkways: Obstructed pathways can cause trips and impede quick evacuations during emergencies.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting in hallways and stairwells can conceal hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Seasonal Hazards: Weather conditions like snow and ice can create slippery surfaces, necessitating appropriate footwear and preparedness measures.
- Uneven Flooring: Unmaintained floors, such as cracked tiles or loose carpeting, require durable and protective footwear to minimize injuries.
STATS
- Slip-and-Fall Injuries in Canada: In 2020–2021, 162,222 slip-and-fall injuries were reported, with nearly 60% requiring hospitalization, underscoring the importance of proper footwear in reducing such incidents.
- Occupational Foot Injuries in Canada: Over 20,000 workplace foot injuries are reported annually, many of which could be prevented by using protective footwear.
- School Employee Injuries in the USA: Slips and trips are among the top three causes of injuries for school staff, often linked to improper footwear or walkway obstructions.
- Winter Hazard Incidents in Canada: In regions with heavy snowfall, the risk of slipping increases by 30%, particularly in schools, where snow is frequently tracked indoors.
- Emergency Preparedness Gap in Canada: Only 27% of Canadians report taking the necessary steps for personal emergency preparedness, reflecting gaps that could extend to school safety.
- Student Accident Trends: A 2022 U.S. study found that improper footwear contributed to 35% of reported student accidents in physical education and outdoor activities.