The holiday season brings joy, excitement, and often a festive atmosphere to workplaces. Decorations go up, potlucks are planned, and everyone is busy with end-of-year tasks.
But amidst the celebrations, workplaces can become more hazardous. Increased activity, distractions, and seasonal changes can lead to accidents that might otherwise be avoided. If you’ve been injured at work, our Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the support you need to recover.
At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we understand how overwhelming a workplace injury can feel, especially during the holidays. Let’s explore why accidents happen frequently during this season and what steps you can take to stay safe.
Why Accidents Increase During the Holidays
While the holidays are full of cheer, they also come with challenges. Workloads often increase as businesses try to wrap up tasks before the year ends. Employees may feel stressed, distracted by personal holiday plans, or tired from the season’s hustle and bustle. These distractions can lead to preventable mistakes.
Additionally, seasonal hazards like icy walkways, wet floors from melting snow, and cluttered spaces with holiday decorations create physical risks. Temporary workers, who are usually hired to cover the busy season, may not be familiar with workplace safety procedures, further increasing the chances of accidents.
Common Holiday Workplace Accidents
Several types of workplace accidents tend to occur more often during the holiday season. These include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
With icy entrances, wet floors, and cluttered hallways filled with decorations or packages, slips and falls are some of the most common holiday accidents. Even something as small as an unsecured cord from holiday lights can cause a nasty fall.
Lifting and Strain Injuries
The holidays often involve moving heavy inventory, lifting large packages, or rearranging spaces for events. These activities can result in back, shoulder, or muscle injuries without proper lifting techniques.
Electrical Hazards
Festive decorations like lights, inflatable displays, or other powered décor can lead to electrical hazards. Overloaded outlets or faulty wiring can cause shocks or even fires.
Food-Related Accidents
Holiday potlucks and celebrations sometimes lead to burns from hot dishes or spills that make floors slippery. These seemingly minor incidents can still cause significant harm.
Preventing Holiday Workplace Accidents
While accidents can’t always be avoided, there are steps employers and employees can take to reduce risks:
Proactive Safety Measures
- Ensure decorations are securely placed and don’t block walkways.
- Regularly salt or sand icy areas outside entrances.
- Provide proper training for all seasonal hires, focusing on workplace safety protocols.
Encourage Employee Awareness
- Remind employees immediately to report hazards, like a wet floor or loose decorations.
- Offer simple tips for safe lifting, like bending at the knees and keeping objects close to the body.
Regular Inspections
- Check that holiday lights and electrical equipment are in good condition.
- Inspect walkways and work areas regularly to keep them clear of hazards.
Emergency Plans
- Make sure all employees know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Update and communicate workplace procedures for handling accidents or injuries.
What to Do If an Accident Occurs
If you’re hurt at work during the holiday season, act quickly to protect your health and rights. First, report the incident to your employer immediately so they can create an official record. Then, seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Follow the doctor’s advice and keep copies of all medical records.
Document everything, including photos of the accident and any unsafe conditions that may have contributed. Finally, consult Florida workplace injury lawyers to understand your options and take the following steps toward getting the benefits you’re entitled to.
How Our Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help employees recover from workplace injuries without worrying about how to pay their bills. Here’s what you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, therapy, and more.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery.
- Temporary disability benefits: For workers unable to perform their jobs for a short time.
- Permanent disability benefits: For employees whose injuries lead to long-term impairments.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training for a new career if you can’t return to your previous role.
- Death benefits: Support for families of workers who lose their lives on the job.
At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we fight to ensure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to. Our team of top-rated workers’ compensation attorneys in Florida understands how frustrating it can be to deal with employers or insurance companies that deny or delay claims.
We will gather the necessary evidence, handle negotiations, and represent you in court if your case goes to court. With our no-win, no-fee personal injury lawyers in Florida, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
Contact Our Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
The holiday season should be a time for joy and celebration, not stress and injury. Employees and employers can help reduce the risk of common holiday workplace accidents by staying alert and taking precautions. However, if an injury does occur, you don’t have to face the challenges of a claim alone.
Contact Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. to speak with work injury attorneys near me who care about your rights and well-being. Whether you need advice or representation, our best workers’ compensation lawyers in Florida are here to guide you every step of the way.