Winter slip and fall safety in Ontario: a dual perspective for property owners and individuals

December 01, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Ontario winters bring icy sidewalks, black ice, and snow-packed walkways that can lead to dangerous slip‑and‑fall injuries. For property owners, proactive ice and snow management isn’t just best practice, it’s a legal obligation under the Occupiers’ Liability Act. For residents and visitors, staying vigilant and prepared helps prevent injuries and supports fair personal injury outcomes if an accident occurs. This Canadian English guide offers a practical, keyword‑rich overview from both perspectives, optimised for search engines and useful for a personal injury lawyer blog.

Property Owner Perspective: Steps to reducing slip‑and‑fall risk through proactive ice management in Ontario

• Establish a comprehensive winter maintenance plan: Develop a documented, site‑specific plan covering snow removal, de‑icing, and repaving. Include schedules, weather triggers, and responsible staff or contractors. Use keywords like Ontario winter maintenance plan, snow removal Ontario, ice management Ontario.

• Prioritize timely snow removal: Clear sidewalks, driveways, entrances, and parking areas promptly after a snowfall. Prioritize high‑traffic zones, accessibility routes, and paths used by vulnerable users. Maintain a written log to demonstrate due care, a key factor under the Occupiers’ Liability Act Ontario.

• Implement effective ice management: Use a blend of de‑icers and traction aids (salt, calcium chloride, sand) suitable for the temperatures. Document product types, application rates, and intervals. Regularly inspect treated areas and re‑apply as needed.

• Improve lighting and visibility: Ensure outdoor lighting is functioning, especially at entrances, walkways, and parking lots. Adequate lighting reduces slip risk and supports accurate hazard identification—critical for risk management and liability defence.

• Install and maintain slip‑resistant surfaces: Use non‑slip mats at entryways, handrails on ramps and stairs, and slip‑resistant coatings where appropriate. In icy conditions, consider temporary floor coverings for interior entry zones to keep floors dry.

• Conduct proactive hazard inspections: Schedule routine safety audits during winter and after storms. Document hazards and corrective actions to strengthen your position under the Occupiers’ Liability Act Ontario.

• Train staff and contractors: Educate teams on proper snow removal techniques, safe de‑icing practices, and weather‑related risk communication. Include safety briefings and refreshers to sustain a culture of safe premises.

• Communicate hazards clearly: Post visible signage for wet or icy surfaces, temporary closures, and alternate routes. Clear communication reduces liability exposure and supports safe pedestrian flow.

• Review insurance and contracts: Ensure liability coverage aligns with risk exposure and that contractors carry appropriate insurance. Maintain proof of insurance (certificate of insurance) and keep documentation ready to support disputes if needed.

• Accessibility and tenant coordination: Coordinate with tenants or building occupants to maintain accessible routes, remove obstructions, and share winter safety updates. This collaboration lowers slip risk across all user groups.

Personal Perspective: How to stay safe this winter, and handling a potential slip‑and‑fall event in Ontario

• Dress for ice and cold conditions: Wear waterproof, slip‑resistant footwear with good tread. Use traction devices on stairs and uneven pavements when ice is present. Move slowly and deliberately on slippery surfaces.

• Watch for hidden hazards: Black ice, shaded walkways, and compacted snow can hide dangers. Heed warning signs, avoid shortcuts, and favour cleared routes—especially near entrances and parking areas.

• Walk with purpose and balance: Shorter steps, a slight lean forward, and keeping hands free (not stuffed in pockets) improve balance on slick surfaces. Use handrails where available.

• Report dangerous conditions promptly: Notify the property manager or building owner about icy patches or snow accumulation. Prompt reporting supports timely remediation and evidence of due care.

• Document hazards and injuries: If you slip, photograph the scene, note the date and time, weather conditions, and any witnesses. Preserve clothing and footwear for potential claims.

• Seek medical attention if injured: Even minor slips can hide underlying injuries. A medical record strengthens any personal injury claim and helps establish causation.

• Understand your rights under Ontario law: The Occupiers’ Liability Act requires a reasonable standard of care for entrants. If a property owner fails to address known hazards, you may have a claim—consult an Ontario personal injury lawyer to review evidence and options.

• Preserve evidence for potential claims: Keep copies of all correspondence with the property owner, incident reports, and any surveillance footage if accessible. This supports a future personal injury claim if needed.

• Consult a personal injury lawyer early: An Ontario personal injury lawyer can assess liability, advise on documentation, and explain limitation periods and compensation avenues. Keywords to consider: slip and fall Ontario, Ontario personal injury lawyer, Occupiers’ Liability Act Ontario, winter safety claims.

Bottom line

Effective winter safety in Ontario requires a dual approach: property owners must implement a robust ice and snow management plan, maintain safe premises, and document compliance; individuals must stay vigilant, protect themselves with proper footwear and careful behaviour, and document hazards or injuries.
For anyone navigating a slip‑and‑fall scenario, especially where liability questions arise under the Occupiers’ Liability Act,  call us and one of our personal injury lawyers can clarify rights, help gather evidence, and determine the best path to compensation. Prioritize prevention, document action, and stay safe this winter.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.