The Holidays and Increased Workplace Accidents

Accidents can happen in any industry and at any time of year, but the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be a particularly hazardous time. This holiday season, be sure to take extra precautions in the workplace. Here is what you need to know about workplace accidents during the holiday season. Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can help you make a third-party claim against a party other than your employer who is responsible for your workplace injury.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries During the Holidays

Here are some examples of common types of workplace injuries that occur more frequently during the holiday season:

• Injuries from transportation accidents, including car, truck, and forklift accidents
• Slip-and-falls, trip-and-falls, falls from heights, and falls onto lower levels
• Burn injuries and inhalation injuries from accidental workplace fires
• Toxic exposure injuries from exposure to dangerous chemicals, light, or noise
• Injuries from acts of violence by customers, patients, or co-workers
• Struck-by or caught-in-between injuries from improper equipment use

Why Do These Accidents Happen More During the Holidays?

Workplace accidents and injuries are especially common during the holidays because:

• Increased holiday traffic – During the holidays, more vehicles are on the roads and there is more foot traffic in retail stores. This increase in traffic means that roads and walkways are busier, so the risk of accidents is higher.
• Seasonal stress and fatigue – Many people take on additional responsibilities and stress during the holidays, which can leave workers and customers exhausted and on edge.
• Inclement winter weather – We don’t see much snow here in Florida, but wintertime weather phenomena like ice and sleet can still affect roads and outdoor job sites. Cold and icy weather increases the risk of slip-and-falls, equipment failure accidents, and other workplace injuries.
• Inexperienced temp workers – Many businesses hire temporary, seasonal workers to help with increased holiday demand. Because these temp workers have less experience and training than regular workers, they are less familiar with proper procedures and more likely to commit harmful errors.

How Can These Accidents Be Prevented?

Workplace accidents can be prevented when your employer and the site manager take necessary precautions, such as:

• Regularly scheduling inspections of the workplace environment
• Promptly correcting any hazardous conditions
• Providing proper training to all workers, including temporary or seasonal staff
• Providing PPE to employees
• Maintaining equipment in safe working condition
• Providing appropriate safety equipment when employees are working with hazardous items

What to Do If You Are Injured

If you get hurt at work, you can take the following steps to protect your health and your legal right to seek compensation:

• Seek medical care for your injuries as soon as possible.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments.
• Notify your employer or supervisor about the accident in writing and keep a copy of the notice for your own records.
• Gather evidence of the accident, such as photos of the work area, video footage from security cameras, and statements from eyewitnesses.
• Avoid discussing the accident with others before you speak with an attorney.

Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can help you pursue a third-party claim against manufacturers, general contractors, property owners, or other negligent parties who were responsible for your workplace injuries.

Contact Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. for Help Today

If you get hurt on the job this holiday season, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Gainesville workplace injury attorneys with Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. We can help you get back on your feet and recover fair compensation for your injuries, so contact us now for a free case review.