Winter Safety Tips to Prevent Slips and Falls for Delivery Drivers

We hear it all the time: “I slid down the steps because they were icy,” or “I went head over heels on ice.” These real-world incidents drive injury claims every winter.

Slips, trips, and falls ranked as the third most common workplace injury in 2020, with winter weather making them more frequent.

What’s the cost of a winter slip?

• The average workers’ compensation claim for a slip-and-fall is $47,681.
• Indirect costs—like higher insurance premiums and lost productivity—add up fast.

The good news? You can reduce winter slips with the right preparation. At Kinetic, we help DSPs like you reduce workplace injuries through tech-enabled safety programs—proactively keeping drivers safe and operations running smoothly.

Here’s how we approach winter safety.

Winter Safety: Prepare and protect your Delivery drivers

Help delivery Drivers get Winter Safety shoes

The best safety shoes for delivery drivers in winter have strong grip and ankle support. This significantly reduces slip risks, protecting both your drivers and your bottom line.

Kinetic recommends you:

• Enforce safety shoes as part of your uniform policy.
• Share a list of Kinetic-approved winter safety shoes.
• Encourage drivers to order shoes through a shoe program, if you offer one.

Make your fleet winter-ready

Winter conditions make vehicle entry and exit points especially hazardous. Reduce slip-and-fall risks with these simple upgrades:

• Install grip tape: Add grip tape on runner boards and other entry points to boost traction and slip resistance.
• Improve exterior lighting: Assess visibility around vehicles and install exterior lighting where needed to help drivers avoid missteps during evening deliveries.
• Inspect steps and handrails: Regularly inspect vehicle steps and handrails. Well-maintained steps and sturdy handrails are essential for safety in winter.

Set Daily safety routines

Preventing winter injuries isn’t just about gear—it’s about daily safety habits.

• Daily briefings: Use standups to give quick safety reminders, spot check compliance, and explain why these measures matter.
• Observe and coach: During load-out, observe your team and offer real-time coaching on best practices.

Essential safety habits to reinforce:

• Stay device-free when entering and exiting vehicles.
• Use the appropriate door to exit.
• Maintain 3 points of contact when possible.
• Always scan for hazards.

These small, consistent actions reduce accidents and keep drivers on the road all winter long.

Download Winter Safety Guidelines

Be prepared—download the Winter Weather Safety Checklist to protect your drivers. And if an incident occurs, reporting it quickly can make all the difference. (See why fast claim reporting is critical.)