The post-holiday stretch (late December through to the end of January) has a predictable rhythm: people return to work, routines restart, and the environment often gets… slippery. 

For employers and insurers, that can mean a noticeable cluster of claims tied to winter conditions, slips/trips/falls, and the kinds of sprains and strains that follow a rushed step or missed patch of ice. 

Here’s what to expect - and how to get ahead of it. 

1) Slips, trips, and falls are a major driver (and winter makes it worse) 

Across workplaces, falls are a common and costly cause of injury. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety notes that the majority of falls (67%) happen on the same level, not from height, and often from slips and trips.  

In B.C., WorkSafeBC has reported that winter months (icy/wet conditions) contribute to an 11% increase in injuries due to slips, trips, and falls. 

That pattern is useful for planning: if your workforce includes outdoor work, driving, site visits, or heavy foot traffic around entrances and loading areas, January is a prime time to reinforce prevention and prepare for reporting and triage. 

2) What these claims often look like 

Winter claims frequently involve: 

• Ankles, knees, wrists (typical slip-and-fall impact points) 

• Low back and neck strains (sudden bracing, twisting, lifting in awkward conditions) 

• Exacerbations of pre-existing conditions (a “minor” incident that triggers a bigger flare) 

From a claims standpoint, the common challenges are less about whether an incident happened - and more about severity, functional impact, and recovery timeline. 

3) Expect more questions about functional capacity and workability 

The most important question in the first 1–3 weeks is usually: 

“What can this person do safely right now?” 

That means moving quickly from diagnosis labels (“sprain,” “strain,” “contusion”) to functional clarity: 

• Standing/walking tolerance 

• Lifting/carrying capacity 

• Balance, stair use, driving tolerance 

• Modified duties that match restrictions (and don’t inflame symptoms) 

Evidence also supports that workplace-based return-to-work efforts - particularly multi-component approaches - can improve outcomes for MSK and pain-related conditions. 

4) Watch for common friction points early 

These are the issues that can quietly extend duration if they aren’t addressed early: 

• Delayed reporting (especially around shutdowns or staggered returns) 

• Missing documentation (no clear exam findings, unclear diagnosis, limited treatment notes) 

• Unclear restrictions (“off work” notes without specific functional limits) 

• Workplace mismatch (modified duties offered, but not aligned to actual capacity) 

A short, structured medical review - grounded in records plus examination findings - often helps clarify restrictions/limitations and creates a more actionable plan. 

5) How employers can reduce both risk and claim duration 

Even small operational habits can change outcomes in January: 

• Do a early 2026 sweep: entrances, mats, lighting, ice management, signage 

• Remind teams about footwear, pace, and reporting early symptoms 

• Ensure supervisors know the modified duties available before an injury happens 

• Coordinate quickly with claims and medical providers so restrictions are specific and usable 

• Be prepared to lean on an Independent Medical Examination partner like IMA Solutions for support 

6) When an independent medical assessment may be useful 

If a winter injury claim is lingering or there’s uncertainty about capacity, an independent medical assessment can help by providing: 

• An objective evaluation of injury status and function 

• Clear answers on restrictions/limitations and work capacity 

• A record-based, impartial view of prognosis and treatment needs 

Bottom line 

Winter injury claims aren’t unusual - but they’re highly manageable when expectations are clear and early decisions are anchored in function and objective evidence. 

If you’re seeing a January uptick, focus on: prevention + fast reporting + functional clarity + smart modified work. It’s the combination that keeps minor winter incidents from becoming long-duration files. 

Reach to us for support, we’re here to help.  

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