5 Reasons Workplace Injuries Increase During the Holiday Season

Many people nationwide wind down for the Christmas and New Year holidays to celebrate, laugh, and merry-making with loved ones. However, the holiday season brings increased risks of injuries for many workplaces. Unfortunately, workers may suffer debilitating injuries during the holidays when they are needed the most.

There are many reasons why the end of the year comes with increased risks for workers. The following are some of these reasons;

1. Increased Workload and Tight Deadlines

Some companies get much busier and more stressful during the holiday season, with more work and tighter deadlines to meet. This is especially true for people who perform physical labor, such as those who work in warehouses, retail stores, and restaurants. Increased workload and tight deadlines can lead to workers rushing through tasks neglecting safety protocols. This can result in accidents such as slips and falls. Increased workload and tight deadlines can cause workers to skip breaks and work overtime, leading to fatigue and reduced focus, increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Temporary or Inexperienced Workers

Over the holiday season, many employers take on greater numbers of temporary workers to handle the increased workload. While this can help manage demand and reduce stress on full-time staff, it can introduce a new risk. Temporary workers who lack the necessary experience or are unfamiliar with how the business operates or the health and safety procedures in place may be more prone to accidents. To reduce the risk of accidents, it is crucial to ensure that temporary workers receive thorough onboarding, safety orientation, and adequate supervision.

3. Distractions

Employees might become distracted by holiday planning, financial worries, or personal responsibilities during the holidays. Also, in the days leading up to their time off, employees may mentally start to check out, focusing more on their upcoming breaks and daydreaming about how they will spend their time away from work. These distractions can increase the risk of workplace accidents.

4. Bad Weather

The holiday season often brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, increasing the risk of workplace accidents. Slippery parking lots, poor visibility, and wet floors can increase the risk of slips and falls. For people who work outdoors, such as those in the construction industry, they are at an even greater risk of suffering injuries due to bad weather.

5. Drunk Drivers

The amount of alcohol people drink significantly increases during the holiday season. Unfortunately, despite knowing about the dangers of drunk driving, many people still get behind the wheel while intoxicated. These drivers pose a risk to all road users, including those workers whose job entails driving.

What To Do if You Are Injured on the Job During the Holiday Season

In Vermont, employees who suffer work injuries are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To protect your right to compensation, seek prompt medical attention even if the injury seems minor. Ensure you report the injury to your supervisor or employer. Vermont law requires that you report your injury immediately or as soon as you’re aware of it. Document your injury, including pictures and details of how you sustained it, and collect other necessary evidence, including witness statements. Additionally, because the claims process can be complicated, consult an attorney who can guide you through the legal process.

Legal Help Is Available

In the event of a work injury during the holiday season or any other time, don’t hesitate to contact our qualified Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer at Sluka Law PLC for legal help.

Source:

labor.vermont.gov/workers%E2%80%99-compensation/injured-workers/claims-filing#:~:text=When%20you%E2%80%99re%20injured,of%20the%20injury.