The holiday season can be a joyous time of year, but it could also be the most hazardous. There is an increase in work-related injuries and workplace accidents throughout this festive time. A combination of added holiday stress that comes with planning, shopping, rushing, and responsibilities may create significant distractions and result in an accident or injury on the job.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents During the Holidays
The arrival of winter often intensifies workers’ anxiety with seasonal obligations, higher workloads, and stress. Winter also brings a slew of slippery ice along paths and streets, which may increase the risk of injury. It’s essential to follow workplace safety regulations and take extra precautions as needed. Read on to learn how you can take preventative actions during the holiday season to ensure your safety in the workplace.
Severe Weather Conditions
Winter weather may present dangerous hazards, including slippery roads, freezing temperatures, strong winds, ice, and snowstorms. If not prepared for these harsh elements, it could lead to devastating property damage and injuries such as; broken bones, bruises, sprains, or fractures that could have been prevented.
Fatigue
Fatigue can also be a significant concern due to the excessive amount of activity and additional holiday pressure. Fatigue can increase the risk of an injury up to 37 percent. If your job site requires mechanical machinery and heavy equipment, fatigue can keep you from performing your job duties and lead to a severe accident.
Increase of Traffic
There is an influx of traffic congestion during this season, especially in New York, and many road construction accidents arise from car accidents. With more people on the road, it is the busiest time of year for most industries. If you are a construction worker working on the road, or if your job requires you to travel, you are especially at high risk.
How To Prevent a Workplace Injury This Holiday Season
Here are some helpful tips to prevent job hazards and implement proper safety procedures to avoid unwanted injuries at work.
Ensure All Workers Receive Adequate Safety Training
It is recommended that all employees focus on training, specifically on holiday work injuries and potential risks. The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises employers to review safety procedures during this time. Reviewing appropriate training procedures can help employees understand the severity of an injury. This training is vital for high-risk construction jobs and related to vehicle maintenance and powered industrial trucks. Lack of proper training can increase the risk of an employee getting critically injured and missing work and obtaining worker's compensation, resulting in overwhelming medical bills.
Do Not Rush
When finishing a project on the site, it is imperative to take your time and not rush through it. Attempting to speed through an extensive task on a construction site, could lead to dangerous hazards for your employees, such as; slipping and falling on the job. It may seem tempting to finish a project quicker; however, you don’t want to incur an injury on the job from rushing. Typical work-related injuries include overexertion and bodily reaction. Move slowly, and stay focused on the task at hand.
Invest in On-Site Pain Relief
Overexertion tends to be common in these winter months. Having a professional on the site to manage painful physical symptoms can be crucial for your company. Getting a specialist to be present can accommodate an employee's physical wellbeing and prevent employees from missing work.
Clear Ice and Snow From Your Property
This is especially important to prevent yourself from slipping and falling this winter. Ice can become a dangerous slipping hazard if not properly taken care of. The upcoming winter months can bring severe icy conditions such as black ice. If walking on snow or ice is unavoidable, workers should wear water-resistant footwear with good traction to avoid slipping.
Stay Safe During the Holiday Season
The holidays are a wonderful time, don’t let an injury hinder your festivities with your family and friends. A work-related injury could also bring an immense amount of financial strain if you cannot return after the holidays.
Loscalzo & Loscalzo, P.C. wants you and your loved ones to remain safe and have a happy holiday season. If you or someone you love has been injured on the job during the holiday season. Contact us at (646) 846-4776 to discuss your case with one of our personal injury attorneys today.