The Causes of Summer Workplace Injuries
Summer is here, and that means more time outdoors for both fun and relaxation. However, this time of year also represents a time of increased workplace risks for workers whose jobs take them outdoors during the summer months. Unfortunately, work-related injuries increase as warm weather approaches us. According to one Bureau of Labor Statistics report examining the seasonal timing of work-related injuries, hundreds more estimated workplace injuries occur during the summer months of June, July, and August than throughout the rest of the year.
Because there are many jobs that cannot be done outside during the cooler months, unfortunately, the warmest summer months leave workers exposed to weather and other hazards that can lead to work injuries.
What Are Common Sources of Summer Workplace Injuries?
- Heat-related summer injuries. Excessive heat is one of the greatest workplace risks for workers who are exposed to the sun during the summer. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 7400 deaths due to heat-related illness in the United States from 1999 to 2010. Heat-related illness encompasses a spectrum of conditions that range from minor illnesses to life-threatening medical emergencies and unfortunately, even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems.
- Vehicle-related summer injuries. While car accidents can happen at any time of the year, there is an increase in road construction sites that lead to an increase in work-related injuries during the summer months. Car accidents are also more prevalent during the summer because of the increased traffic levels in the summer attributable to the numerous summer holidays and people taking road trips to vacation destinations.
- Agricultural machinery summer injuries. Summertime also brings a lot of work for agricultural workers who have to use machinery and farm equipment as a part of everyday work – all of which can be dangerous. Equipment such as tractors, hay balers, corn huskers, shredders and can cause tragic consequences such as head injuries, impact and puncture wounds, amputations and other severe injuries.
- Slip and fall summer injuries. These injuries increase during the summer, especially at workplaces near areas that inherently involve water such as pools, water parks, and boating docks. Slip and fall accidents at work can lead to serious injuries such as bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, damage to the back and spine and even death.
Has You or a Loved One Suffered a Summer Workplace Injury?
Suffering a workplace injury during the summer months can be especially frustrating as you may already have added expenses from an upcoming vacation or summer camp costs for your children. Fortunately, if you are injured on the job during the course of employment, you’re probably covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This means that there is a good chance that you will be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other injury-related expenses. You can depend on the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates to help you obtain the benefits that you deserve just as have helped many other injured workers in similar situations. Begin by contacting us today.
Resource:
bls.gov/osmr/pdf/st130230.pdf
https://www.payerandassociates.com/flight-attendants-and-workers-compensation/
