For most people, summer represents the time of year for vacations, barbeques, and picnics with friends and family, enjoying all that life has to offer when the weather is warm. However, summer also represents many challenging work conditions and hazards that lead to work-related injuries.
Summer presents a host of worker injuries across several occupations and businesses. While a worker can be injured any time of the year in many ways, summer exposes less apparent injuries. For example, the average person may not consider sunburn or bee stings a work injury. However, depending on the circumstances, a burn or bite could be an injury that qualifies for a workers’ compensation claim.
Workers in the agricultural, construction, and transportation industries are particularly vulnerable to injury due to the hot temperatures as well as contact with machinery and other hazardous materials. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can be especially dangerous for those working outdoors. Other injuries caused by contact with sharp objects or chemicals, slips and falls, and motor vehicle accidents are also more common in the summer months.
Industries With Higher Risk Of Work-Related Injuries During Summer
No matter the time of year, employers in Pennsylvania are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees to cover work-related injuries. Some industries present hazards all year long. In contrast, others may be seasonal, and summer is a time when a work-related injury is more likely. These include:
- Construction: Construction workers are at risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries from falls, electrical shocks, and heavy equipment.
- Agriculture: Workers may be exposed to extreme heat, sunburn, insect bites and stings, and injuries from farm equipment.
- Landscaping and groundskeeping: Workers may be exposed to extreme heat, sunburn, insect bites and stings, and injuries from operating equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws.
- Outdoor recreation and hospitality: Workers may be exposed to extreme heat, sunburn, insect bites and stings, and injuries from water sports, hiking, and other recreational activities.
- Transportation: Workers who drive or operate heavy machinery as part of their job, such as truck drivers, delivery drivers, or bus drivers, are at risk of motor vehicle accidents, which can result in serious injuries or even death.
It’s crucial for workers in these industries, and others who work outdoors during the summer, to take appropriate precautions to prevent injuries. Equally important, employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment and training workers to work safely in hot weather conditions. This includes providing protective clothing, hydration, and breaks.
Failure to provide a safe work environment and injuries that arise from such a failure is why injured workers need an experienced workers’ comp attorney to evaluate their case and file a claim on their behalf to ensure injured workers receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Common Summer Work-Related Injuries
Some common work injuries that can occur during the summer months include:
- Heat-related illnesses: These include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, which can happen to workers who spend long hours working outside in hot temperatures.
- Sunburn: Workers who spend extended periods outside without proper sun protection can suffer from sunburn, which can range from mild to severe.
- Slip and falls: Workers can slip and fall on wet surfaces such as floors, stairs, or outdoor walkways.
- Insect bites and stings: Workers who spend time working in gardens, parks, or wooded areas can be bitten or stung by insects, which can lead to allergic reactions and other health problems.
- Electrical shocks: Workers exposed to electrical hazards such as power lines or faulty equipment can suffer from electrical shocks, leading to burns, nerve damage, or even death.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Workers who drive or operate heavy machinery as part of their job are at risk of motor vehicle accidents, which can result in serious injuries or even death.
Workers who are subjected to the heat of summer and the unique situations brought on by the season should be aware of their rights to workers’ compensation for such injuries.
Precautions Must Be Taken
It is important for employers to take precautions and make sure their employees understand safety protocols when working outdoors during the summer. Employers should provide adequate training and protective equipment for their workers, such as hats and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Additionally, employers should ensure that employees have access to water and other hydrating beverages to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. Employers should make sure that appropriate breaks are taken throughout the day to prevent overexertion.
In addition, employers should take steps to minimize the risks of slips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, and contact with hazardous materials or machinery. Employers should also be aware of their workers’ physical capabilities and limitations when assigning tasks to ensure that employees are not overworked.
If you have been injured while on the job, it is important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and take steps to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Summer Workers Need A Workers’ Comp Attorney
Workers’ compensation is a complex area of Pennsylvania law. While there are hard and fast rules for employers to carry insurance, there can be exceptions and limitations, and these could be a factor for summer seasonal workers. This is why consulting with an attorney is crucial if you’ve been injured on the job or are not sure if your injury is one that qualifies for workers’ comp.
if you have suffered an injury on the job, you must take action, including:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the injury to your supervisor and employer
- Document injury in writing and with photographs
- Contact an experienced PA workers’ comp attorney
The experienced and knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates have decades of experience protecting the rights of injured workers and collecting the compensation they deserve for their on-the-job injuries.
If you need help this summer with any aspect of your workers’ compensation claim, contact a knowledgeable Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. We can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and obtain all the benefits to which you are entitled. For a free consultation, call us at 888-PITT-LAW or complete our online contact form.
