When temperatures warm up in Virginia there are several jobs that open up for new workers. With the sunny days of summer come the opening of pools for lifeguards to manage, tourist attractions seasonal workers man, and outside grounds and construction work re-launches. For many of the Virginians who find temporary or new jobs in the summer, it is important to be aware of the possibilities of on the job injury and how to handle workers’ compensation.
Pay Attention To Safety
While some people take the same seasonal positions year after year, many seasonal workers have never had their particular job before. Seasonal work is, by definition, short-term. As a result, seasonal workers may not be as aware of safety issues pertaining to their tasks as full-time employees. As a seasonal worker, you may also be doing physical work that you’re not used to doing. Unexpected physical work and being unaware of safety issues may increase the risks you have of getting injured at work.
Common Summer Work-Related Injuries
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the summer months are the most dangerous months of employment. More occupational injuries occur June through August than any other season of the year. Some of the most reported common summer on the job injuries include sprains, strains, and tears; surface wounds (cuts and abrasions); and open wounds (incisions and punctures).
In addition to these common summer injuries, the heat of the summer months can cause additional on the job injuries. Many workers whose employment requires them to work outside risk a heat-related illness. Jobs such as construction, lifeguarding, landscaping, and other outdoor work have a higher propensity for on the job heat-related injuries. These injuries include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and rhabdomyolysis. An increase in body temperature greater than 100.4-degrees can trigger a heat-related illness. The more time spent in the heat exposure and intensity of the heat, the more critical bodily injury.
Why Summer Has An Uptick In Workers
For several industries the summer months are their most critical seasons of the year. Travel and tourism abound as many Americans take vacation. With the beautiful beaches and historic landmarks in Virginia, tourism in the summer months booms. Tourism drives the influx of jobs in many roles such as: lifeguards, amusement park workers, hotel and restaurant in the summer months. Construction is another industry that blooms in summer months as weather permits more outdoor building and construction projects.
There is an influx of teenagers in the workforce during summer months. Employment peaks for 16-19 year-olds June – August. According to BLS, 55% of young adults ages 16-24 were employed in July 2023. Many of these young employees are new to their role and less seasoned workers. They have a greater likelihood of on the job injuries. If you are legally employed and injured on the job, no matter your age – you are covered by workers’ compensation.
Seasonal Workers Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation
When it comes to workers’ compensation law in Virginia, an employee is broadly defined and includes part-time, seasonal and temporary workers, minors, trainees, immigrants and working family members. Part-time and seasonal workers are covered by workers’ compensation in Virginia, just like full-time employees are. Don’t think that because you are hired temporarily or seasonally that your on-the-job injury doesn’t qualify for workers’ compensation, because more likely than not – it does. As a general rule, a business with more than two employees is required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ comp insurance is required by law for nearly all employers and those hiring seasonal workers are no exception. If you’re a seasonal employee and you’re injured due to an accident at work, you are entitled to the same benefits available to full-time employees. Make sure you follow the same steps if you are injured on the job: tell your employer, tell a doctor, then call HammondTownsend.
However, seasonal workers are less likely to need care for injuries other than physical injuries, due to the short duration during which they are working. Occupational diseases typically require time to build up, and most seasonal employees will not have an experience that would qualify them for mental health care resulting from an incident at work.
Workers’ Comp Claims Take A While
Even straightforward claims take several months to process from start to finish. It can be difficult if you’re injured and unable to work to wait while your workers’ comp claim benefits come through. You can’t count on receiving workers’ comp benefits quickly to help you if you become injured at work.
Read The Resources
HammondTownsend has dozens of blog posts with helpful information about your workers’ compensation claim. While our blogs can give you additional information on navigating your workers’ compensation claim, your HammondTownsend attorney and paralegal team will be the most valuable players on your side.