Winter Work Injuries in Massachusetts: Your Rights If You’re Hurt on Icy Jobsites
Every winter in Massachusetts, We see the same thing happen again and again — hardworking people getting hurt just doing their jobs. Around Walpole, Norwood, and Foxborough, it only takes one patch of ice, one wet floor, or one misstep on a snowy morning to send someone straight to the emergency room.
At Brady Law, we’ve helped roofers, nurses, custodians, and delivery drivers who all share the same story: they were careful, but the conditions weren’t. Winter changes everything — from the way you walk across a parking lot to how you handle equipment. So let’s talk about why cold weather brings so many injuries, what your rights are if you’re hurt, and how to protect yourself before and after an accident.
Why Winter Is So Dangerous for Massachusetts Workers
When the temperature drops, so does traction, visibility, and sometimes common sense. Employers and property owners have to keep their spaces safe, but we all know that doesn’t always happen.
Ice, Snow, and Slippery Surfaces
For construction workers, delivery drivers, and anyone who spends time outdoors, ice is the biggest enemy. It hides under fresh snow, forms overnight on loading docks, and lingers in shaded areas long after the sun comes out. We’ve seen plenty of folks in Walpole fall getting out of work trucks or stepping onto unplowed job sites.
Even when you’re doing everything right, you can’t predict when a patch of black ice will catch you off guard.
Slippery Entrances and Hallways for Healthcare and Custodial Staff
It’s not just outdoor workers who are at risk. Nurses, CNAs, custodians, and maintenance staff often deal with wet or icy conditions inside buildings. When patients, visitors, and staff track in slush, those hospital or school corridors become as slick as a parking lot.
We once helped a hospital custodian who tore her rotator cuff after slipping near an entrance that hadn’t been properly salted. She’d walked that same path for years — but one cold morning changed everything.
Cold Weather Equipment and Fatigue
Bulky gloves, heavy coats, and fogged-up goggles make it harder to grip, move, or even see what you’re doing. Combine that with long shifts in freezing conditions, and the risk of accidents jumps. OSHA has guidelines for cold exposure, but in the real world, too many people are pushed to “get it done” instead of getting a break.
Driving on the Job
Delivery drivers, home healthcare workers, and construction foremen who spend time on the road face double risk — slick highways and slippery job sites. The same storm that delays a delivery also increases the chance of a crash. We’ve handled cases where a worker was hurt both driving and unloading on the same icy day.
Real Cases, Real People: How Icy Conditions Can Change a Life
We could tell you hundreds of stories from our 40+ years in business, but here are a few that stick with me.
The Delivery Driver in Norwood
A young delivery driver slipped while unloading boxes behind a strip mall. The snow had been plowed, but the meltwater froze again overnight. He landed hard, breaking his wrist and missing months of work. Workers’ comp eventually covered his medical bills and lost wages — but only after we proved he was still on the clock when it happened.
The Construction Worker in Walpole
Another client, a roofer, fell from a ladder after a light snowfall. The rungs were slick, and no one had salted the base area. His knee injury required surgery and months of rehab. Because multiple subcontractors managed the site, we helped untangle who was responsible and made sure his benefits didn’t get delayed.
The Custodian at a Local School
One of the toughest cases We remember involved a school custodian who fell on a wet hallway floor before sunrise. The “wet floor” sign had been knocked over during the night shift. She was embarrassed at first — she didn’t want to make a fuss — but that simple fall led to surgery and time away from work. Her case was a reminder that even small slips can cause lasting damage.
Every one of these people worked hard, did what they were supposed to do, and still got hurt because the conditions weren’t safe.
Your Rights Under Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Law
Massachusetts law protects workers who get injured on the job — no matter the weather. If you slip, fall, or get hurt because of ice, snow, or unsafe conditions, you’re entitled to medical care and compensation for lost wages through the state’s workers’ comp system. There may also be another claim if the property was not properly maintained.
If You’re Hurt on an Icy Jobsite
Report it right away. Tell your supervisor and make sure they document it in writing.
Take photos if you can. Ice melts fast. Pictures of the scene help prove what caused your fall.
Get medical care immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen over time.
Call a workers’ comp attorney if your employer hesitates or your claim gets denied.
Workers’ comp covers hospital bills, rehab, medication, lost wages, and even vocational retraining if you can’t return to the same kind of work.
When Employers or Insurers Push Back
Sometimes employers try to argue that the accident wasn’t “work-related” — for example, if it happened while walking in from the parking lot. I’ve seen insurers claim that workers “should’ve been more careful” or “weren’t technically on the clock.” Don’t let that discourage you. If you were on their property, following your work routine, or acting in the course of your job, you still have rights.
How to Protect Yourself and Prevent Winter Work Injuries
Prevention doesn’t eliminate all risk, but it helps. Here are some ways to reduce the odds of getting hurt this season.
Safety Tips for Workers
Slow down — rushing on ice only increases the chance of a fall.
Wear non-slip, insulated boots with good traction.
Use handrails when climbing stairs or entering buildings.
Clear your footwear when moving from outdoors to indoors.
Safety Tips for Healthcare and Facilities Staff
Keep entrances clear and dry — use mats to absorb slush and water.
Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.
Report icy walkways or wet hallways right away.
Be cautious when pushing carts or stretchers around corners — the floor may be slick.
What Employers Should Be Doing
Employers and property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe working conditions. That includes salting icy walkways, putting out “wet floor” signs, and ensuring adequate lighting in parking areas. When they ignore those duties, injuries follow — and so do claims.
Why Maintenance Records Matter
If an employer or property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, that documentation matters. Photos, emails, or maintenance logs showing neglected areas can strengthen your case. At Brady Law, we’ve seen those records make the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery.
Why Local Experience Matters
After 40 years of handling workers’ comp and personal injury cases across Massachusetts, I can tell you that knowing the local system makes a big difference. We know the employers, insurers, and doctors in Norfolk County — and we know how to cut through the red tape.
We also understand what these injuries do to real people — how they affect your paycheck, your family, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re a construction worker, a nurse, or a custodian, you deserve to feel safe at work and supported if you get hurt.
FAQ: Winter Work Injuries and Massachusetts Workers’ Comp
Q: What should I do immediately after slipping on ice at work?
Report it right away, take photos, and get medical attention. Quick action helps protect your rights.
Q: Can I get workers’ comp if I was hurt walking into work?
In many cases, yes — if it happened on your employer’s property or while you were performing job duties.
Q: Does workers’ comp cover time off for rehab or physical therapy?
Yes, as long as your doctor says it’s necessary for your recovery.
Q: What if my employer says it’s not their fault?
Workers’ comp doesn’t depend on fault — you’re covered even if no one meant for the injury to happen.
Changing Seasons, Changing Risks
Winter in Massachusetts is part of who we are. But no one should have to risk their health just to earn a paycheck. If you’re hurt on an icy jobsite, don’t try to tough it out — get the medical care and help you need.
If you’d like to talk about your situation, give us a call. We’ll explain your rights, walk you through your options, and help you get back on your feet.
—
Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for formal legal advice from Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady and Associates P.C. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice tailored to your needs.