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Increased product demand, excessive temperatures, and seasonal workers without proper training all contribute to why workplace injuries increase in the summer months. This isn’t just a theory either. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the months of June, July, and August do actually produce the most workplace injuries.Because of this elevated risk, it’s important to understand why more injuries occur during this timeframe and what you can do to prevent an injury to yourself or a coworker. Even if you work at a temporary summer job, serious workplace injuries can be permanent. If you are injured at work any time of the year and need to pursue benefits for medical treatment and lost pay, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you seek those benefits.
Causes of Summer Workplace Injuries
With the weather warm and balmy, and many more people out and about, the summer months can be particularly dangerous for those who work outdoor jobs or professions that require a lot of driving. Many factors can increase summer workplace injuries, and we must recognize each of them as we prepare for the summer months.
Seasonal Employees
Summer jobs are common for high school and college students, as well as those who work in professions where the weather needs to be cooperative for their work to take place. While many of these types of jobs may seem basic on the surface, all seasonal employees must be properly trained to conduct the work they need to do.
For example, public pool lifeguards who work just a few months out of the year must understand all proper safety precautions, keep their skills sharp, take official training, and earn or retain their certification when returning to work, even if they’ve done this job for years.
At times, there can also be a lack of care from seasonal employees who know their job is temporary. It is the responsibility of an employer to ensure that even the most apathetic workers understand the importance of on-the-job safety training as well as precautions that must be taken to avoid serious injuries.
Increased Responsibility
Summer is the most popular time of the year to travel in the United States. Many full-time workers choose this time to take well-earned vacations away from work. As their duties still need to be fulfilled, this often leads to an increase in responsibility for part-time or improperly trained employees.
These employees may be less likely to speak up if they are being overworked. Others may push themselves in ways that do not adhere to workplace safety. Without the usual leaders overseeing them, these workers must understand their limitations and know how to keep the workplace functioning and safe.
Increased Demand
While many people see summer as a time to take it easy and relax at national parks, beaches, and theme parks, others are faced with their workplace’s busiest time of the year. Many companies see increased demand during these months for the products and services they offer and make record profits. For some companies, these may be the only months of the year when they can make money.
This increased demand can lead to workers experiencing extremely long work hours, causing exhaustion and additional stress. Workers who are fatigued and not thinking clearly are at greater risk of causing an accident in the workplace that results in an injury.
Weather
The excessive heat and dangerous, unpredictable storms that come with the changing of the seasons can be especially hazardous. For those who work around water, thunderstorms can be deadly, as can other storms that create swells. Additionally, excessive temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can prove fatal.
To prevent such weather-related accidents, it is important that workers take necessary breaks, remain hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If inclement weather arises, outdoor workers should take shelter to protect themselves.
Understand Your Workplace Rights
If you are a seasonal or temporary worker, you may not fully understand what your rights are as an employee. If you suffer an injury at the workplace during the summer, it’s important to know how to handle the process of seeking the compensation you deserve. The fact is, if you are a United States employee, then you likely qualify for workers’ compensation under federal law as most businesses are required to provide this.
Do not let an employer bully you out of recovering the compensation that is rightfully yours. If you are injured and an employer refuses to provide workers’ compensation, refuses to pay you, or fires you, then you may be able to file a lawsuit.
An attorney with experience in employment law can work with you to help you understand your legal rights and how you should proceed to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact KJT Law Group Today for Help With Your Workplace Injury
No matter what type of job you work, or how long you work it, it is vital that you follow all safety protocols to prevent minor, severe, and sometimes even deadly workplace injuries. If you are a seasonal employee, do not take the health and safety of yourself and your coworkers for granted. If you are an employer, make sure that all of your employees understand the safety precautions to take in the summer and all year round.
If you are injured at work in the summer months, whether you are a full-time or part-time employee, you likely have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. At KJT Law Group, we can help you file your claim and represent you if further legal action is necessary. Workplace injuries can strike at any time, but they increase around the summer. Whenever you need help pursuing compensation for an injury or illness on the job, contact our team at (818) 507-8525.
