Many businesses in New Jersey are at their busiest during the holiday season. As more customers rush in and out of the doors, there can be safety hazards from overcrowding. At the same time, workers are often pushed to their limits during the winter months as the increase in business means more work for them.
While retail stores, restaurants, factories and other businesses are trying to keep up with fourth quarter sales, workers may be at an increased risk of injury from slips, trips and falls. The risk of slip-and-fall accidents can be even worse for outdoor workplaces where snow, ice and slush could make surfaces dangerously slippery. Workers and customers are also likely to track in some of the water and snow from outside, resulting in slippery tile or linoleum floors.
Another hazard that workers often face in the winter is the drop in temperature. Outside workers and workers who are stationed close to a door could be at risk for frostbite and hypothermia, not to mention the common cold. Cold weather can also cause workers to become dehydrated, so they should be reminded to drink plenty of water during the winter.
A worker who is injured on the job after slipping on an icy surface or tripping over something in their path may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits that could help cover a portion of any wages lost as well as provide necessary medical care and treatment. Some employers or their insurance carriers will attempt at time to dispute the claim or the severity of an injury, so the assistance of an attorney may be helpful in collecting the supporting documentation that is necessary.