Spring, summer, fall and winter. Each season offers different seasonal job opportunities for people looking for extra money. Whether you’re a college student home on break or a homemaker looking to earn a little extra gift money before the holidays, it’s important that you understand your rights as a seasonal employee as well as the risks that are involved. For example, did you know that seasonal workers are at a much higher risk for workplace injuries than is true of full time or part-time workers who are in the same job through the course of the year? It’s true. Whether you’re talking about helping out during the harvest or retail sales during the Christmas shopping season, you need to focus on safety and understand what your rights are in the event that you get hurt on the job.
There are a few reasons why seasonal workers are at greater risk than others. The most common reason is that workers who are viewed as being short-term help, and who are hired to fill in during the busiest times of the year, are often not given the same amount of training as those who employers view as long-term employees. Where companies are willing to invest in people who will be staying with them for an extended period of time, those who are only going to be with the company for a few months aren’t seen as worth the time or money. Though this may not seem like a big deal to the seasonal worker, safety should always be a priority: you need to know what the hazards of the job are, what to do in an emergency, and proper use of equipment. Cutting back on training and safety instructions for seasonal employees is short-sighted. When this type of on-the-job training isn’t provided, it leaves employees far more vulnerable to injury, and far more likely to end up needing to file for workers’ compensation from their employees.
Workers’ compensation is not only available to employees who work throughout the year. When seasonal workers are hurt on the job, they are just as eligible for this benefit as the rest of a company’s employees. Workers’ compensation provides relief by paying for medical expenses and can also provide a portion of lost wages. If you have been hurt on the job and need information about your right to file for this important benefit, contact us today to set up an appointment.
When you think of all the different types of work and work environments that exist in the state of Pennsylvania, it is easy to imagine that there is a wide variety of injuries that are suffered by the state’s workers. But according to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Worker’s Compensation, though the state agency tracks claims in a way that is broken down by industry and occupation job descriptions may vary, the injuries suffered across different occupations remain largely the same. The following are the state’s most commonly reported work-related injuries and illnesses reported each year that result in workers’ compensation claims.
Back Injuries
More than any other type of injury, workers in Pennsylvania are at risk for hurting their back, and especially their lower back. Though the work setting may vary, in most cases back injuries are a result of overexertion. Back pain affects most people at some point in their lives, so it is not a surprise that workers who are required to push, pull, or lift as part of their job description would be particularly vulnerable to this type of injury.
Finger Injuries, Wrist and Arm
At first glance, finger injuries may seem too minor an injury to warrant a workers’ compensation claim, but many occupations’ workers rely on their hands, whether they are in a construction or industrial setting or typing on a keyboard. Our fingers are vulnerable, and so are our wrists and arms. When they are injured and we are unable to use them, it can lead to a real disability.
Knee Injuries
The knee is a particularly vulnerable part of the body, and when workers’ job responsibilities involve standing, walking, or climbing they are put under stress. When the structural elements of our knees undergo strains or tears, recovery can be time-consuming and workers often need surgery or a long period of rehabilitation before they can return to work
Head Injuries
When workers fall or are struck from above by falling objects, they often suffer skull injuries. Those who work with chemicals or flame are vulnerable to materials being splashed in their eyes or faces, and this can result in disfiguring scars, while those who work in high noise environments are vulnerable to hearing loss.
If you have suffered a work-related injury in the state of Pennsylvania and you need assistance filing a workers’ compensation claim, contact our Lancaster law office today to set up a convenient time for a consultation.
30 East Roseville Road, Suite C
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-397-1010
Office Hours:
After Hours: 717-471-2168
Fax: 717-397-2644
Vanasse Law LLC is conveniently located just north of center city Lancaster just off Route 30. We are in Sterling Center just off Lititz Pike/Route 501. Our office has plenty of free parking and is handicapped accessible.
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Vanasse Law LLC serves injured workers throughout Lancaster County and surrounding communities.
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