Winter OWCP Claims

Do OWCP Claims Increase in the Winter?

Yes, there is a seasonal trend in OWCP claims, with more claims being filed in the winter months. This is likely due to a number of factors, including:

• Weather conditions: Winter weather can be more hazardous than summer weather, with icy roads and sidewalks leading to an increased risk of slips, trips, and falls.
• Holiday activities: The winter holidays are a time for increased activity, with people participating in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. These activities can lead to an increased risk of federal work injuries.
• Indoor activities: During the winter, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can lead to an increased risk of injuries from activities such as cooking, cleaning, and using power tools.

According to the OWCP’s Annual InnovA Technologies Report: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/AnnualReport), the number of OWCP claims filed in the winter months is typically about 10% higher than the number of DOL claims filed in the summer months.

As you can see, the number of OWCP claims filed in the winter months (October, November, and December) is higher than the number of claims filed in the summer months (June, July, and August).

If you are an employer, you can take steps to reduce the risk of OWCP claims in the winter by:

• Providing training to employees on how to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Enforcing safety procedures, such as requiring employees to wear appropriate footwear and using safety railings.
• Providing federal employees with the appropriate tools and equipment for the job.