The holiday shopping has already started, and factories, warehouses and retail stores are already trying to meet the demand by hiring seasonal help.
Unfortunately, seasonal workers are uniquely vulnerable to on-the-job accidents and injuries. Here’s why:
Lack of experience
Seasonal workers usually don’t have a lot of experience. That can make them oblivious to hazards that regular employees know to avoid. The lack of familiarity with safety protocols, equipment they need to use and just the workplace rhythms can make it easier for them to end up injured.
Insufficient training
There’s very little time to get a seasonal worker “up to speed,” and some managers really don’t even try. They simply throw seasonal workers into action and hope they can pick things up as they go along. That often leaves seasonal employees underprepared when it comes to mitigating their workplace risks.
High-pressure environments
When the holiday rush is on, there’s no time to pause. Seasonal workers may find themselves under a lot of pressure to meet tight deadlines, handle the demands of management and more. This can cause their attention to safety to falter.
Inadequate supervision
Seasonal workers don’t always receive the same level of oversight as full-time employees, especially when management is coping with a sudden influx of part-time help. The company may have limited resources when it comes to making sure that safety processes are followed, personal protective equipment is worn and so on.
Seasonal workers in Pennsylvania have the same right to workers’ compensation benefits as any other employee who suffers an on-the-job injury. If you’re having trouble obtaining the benefits you’re due after a workplace incident, legal assistance is available.
