Summer Safety: Injuries That Lead to IMEs

Summer is a season of sunshine, long weekends, and outdoor adventures. But with all the excitement, there’s also a spike in injuries that can lead to disruptions at work - and in life. At NYRC, we regularly see an uptick in Independent Medical Examination (IME) referrals during and after summer, many stemming from preventable accidents.

Whether you’re managing a workplace, processing disability claims, or just enjoying the season, understanding common summer risks can help prevent the types of injuries that lead to IMEs. Here’s what to watch for - and how to stay safe.

Why Injuries Spike in Summer

Summer is Canada’s most active season, and with that activity comes a rise in accidents and injuries. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), emergency room visits for injuries increase by over 20% in the summer months compared to winter. The top culprits? Recreational activities, road traffic accidents, and seasonal work injuries.

Top Causes of Summer Injuries

1. 1. Recreational Sports & Outdoor Activities
   From pickup soccer games to hiking trails and backyard trampolines, summer fun can quickly turn into a sprain, tear, or fracture. Knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries are especially common - and often require orthopaedic assessments.
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Safety Tip: Warm up before activity, use proper gear, and know your limits.

2. 2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
   With road trips, construction zones, and increased cyclist and pedestrian traffic, summer roads are busier - and more dangerous. Transport Canada reports a consistent increase in motor vehicle collisions during July and August.

Safety Tip: Drive defensively, avoid distractions, and leave extra travel time. Employers with driving staff should reinforce safe driving protocols during summer.

3. 3. Seasonal Employment & Outdoor Work
   Construction, landscaping, agriculture, and delivery services all peak in summer - and so do related injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries, heat stress, and slips and falls are common and may lead to occupational IMEs.

Safety Tip: Provide proper PPE, hydration breaks, and site-specific safety briefings for seasonal staff.

4. 4. Falls from Heights
   Summer DIY projects like roof repairs or cleaning gutters lead to many preventable falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in Canada.

Safety Tip: Use secure ladders, never work alone, and consider hiring a professional for high-risk jobs.

How NYRC Supports Injury Recovery

When injuries do occur, NYRC plays a critical role in helping individuals and organizations understand the extent of an injury and how best to move forward. Our Independent Medical Examinations provide objective, evidence-based assessments that help clarify diagnoses, evaluate functional abilities, and guide safe return-to-work planning.

We work with a broad network of specialists - including orthopaedics, physiatry, psychology, and occupational medicine - to ensure timely, high-quality IMEs across Canada.

Fast Facts: Summer Injuries & IMEs

• July and August consistently see the highest rate of injury-related disability claims in Canada.
• 35% of IMEs in summer months relate to recreational injuries or motor vehicle accidents.

• • Lower extremity injuries (knee, ankle)
  • Shoulder and back injuries
  • Concussions and whiplash
  • Psychological impacts related to accidents
    
    

Stay Safe, Stay Active

Summer doesn’t have to be risky. With a few precautions, individuals can enjoy the season without incident - and organizations can help prevent the injuries that lead to disability claims and IMEs.

And when accidents do happen, NYRC is here to help ensure a fair, expert-driven path forward.

Need to book an IME or learn more about our services?
Contact our team now.