The holiday season is in full swing, and although this could be a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, it could also present potential hazards in the workplace.
Several factors may lead to a higher chance of employee injury during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Here are some common causes of workplace injuries and preventative tips to ensure your safety.
3 Causes of Accidents During The Holidays
1. Overexertion
Overexertion during this busy season is one of the most prevalent types of work-related accidents. Overexertion could occur from performing repetitive motions and physically demanding tasks such as; lifting, pulling, carrying, or pushing heavy objects. If not taken with precaution, these forceful movements can lead to strains, sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
2. Fatigue
As employees face increased pressure to hit end-of-year goals and financial responsibility to purchase gifts, it can leave many feeling fatigued. Fatigue is one of the most common causes of accidents in the workplace due to lack of focus, poor judgment, and slow reaction time, which can play a significant role in an employee suffering from a work-related injury.
3. Temporary Workers
The holidays are the busiest time of year, especially for businesses; companies may hire temporary workers to execute job duties due to the increased holiday rush. However, temporary workers tend to have less experience and skills. They may not have received proper job-specific training and safety precautions, leading to a potential safety hazard involving an accident or injury.
How to Avoid A Holiday Injury At Work
There is no convenient time for a work-related accident to occur, especially around the holidays. No one wants to file a worker’s compensation claim and incur overwhelming medical bills. Here are some preventative actions to take to keep yourself safe at work this holiday season:
Take safety precautions by participating in regular safety training procedures that focus on safety hazards at work.
Take regular breaks and utilize safe lifting techniques to prevent overexertion-related injuries.
Manage fatigue and stay alert when completing tasks; a lack of sleep can cause an incident due to a lack of focus.
Limit distractions, especially if working with heavy equipment, to help decrease the chances of an injury.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured at work or suffered from a job-related illness during the holidays, contact Glauber Berenson Vego. Our firm has over 100 years of collective legal experience, representing hard workers that have suffered from a catastrophic injury on site. Call us at (626) 605-2450 to discuss your options..