Ski accidents cause over 800,000 days of absence every year
Every year, around 35,000 snow sports accidents lead to the loss of around 3,300 working years. The number of accidents has risen slightly since the mid-2000s, but the number of days lost has risen disproportionately. The 45 to 54-year-olds are particularly affected.
Many people in Switzerland are currently out and about on the ski slopes. But skiing and snowboarding accidents are not a marginal phenomenon and their consequences last longer today than in the past. Every year, around 35,000 snow sports accidents cause a loss of working time equivalent to around 3,300 working years - this corresponds to almost 827,000 compensated working days.
Highest number of days lost among 45 to 54-year-olds
Snow sports accidents affect all age groups. The 15 to 24-year-olds record around 4700 accidents with around 108,700 compensated working days per year. Among 25 to 34-year-olds, the figure is around 7600 accidents with around 171,900 days lost. The same number of accidents - around 7600 - also occur among 35 to 44-year-olds, with the total number of days lost amounting to around 163,100.
The highest number of lost working days occurs among 45 to 54-year-olds: Around 9200 accidents lead to around 228,100 compensated working days. In the 55 to 64 age group, there are around 5300 accidents with around 147,700 days lost. Even the 65+ age group recorded around 360 accidents with around 7100 compensated working days.
The clear age difference is particularly evident in the duration of incapacity to work: while people aged between 15 and 24 record an average of around 21 compensated days lost per case following a snow sports accident, this figure is around 27 days for 55 to 64-year-olds.
More days lost despite stable accident figures
A look at the trend over the last 15 years shows: The number of winter sports accidents has only risen slightly since the mid-2000s (+6 percent). However, the number of compensated working days has increased disproportionately over the same period (+16 percent). In other words, people are now absent for much longer after snow sports accidents than in the past. This is mainly due to demographic trends - the proportion of accident victims over the age of 44 has increased significantly over the last 15 years.
Avoid accidents, reduce downtime
Many accidents can be prevented. Suva recommends that snow sports enthusiasts use well-maintained equipment and correctly adjusted bindings, do not overestimate their own abilities and warm up properly before setting off. The pace should be adapted to the situation and your own ability. Regular breaks are also important. If you ski and snowboard with a clear head and keep your mind on the slopes, you reduce the risk of accidents and help to avoid absences from work.
Source: Suva
