The traditional workplace looks a little bit different during the holiday season. Many workplaces decorate and organize holiday gatherings to celebrate. While you may expect good food or the opportunity to unwind, you probably never consider being injured at work, during this time. Holiday injuries are all too common, even in the workplace.

Common Workplace Injuries During the Holidays

Even though the holiday season is coming to a close, many employers will leave their holiday decorations up until the middle of January. These are just a few of the most common workplace injuries that occur during the holiday season:

Slip and falls: Slip and falls are more common during the holiday season for a number of reasons. Since the holidays occur during the winter months, slipping on ice or snow is always a possibility. Additionally, loose wires and other holiday decorations can pose a trip and fall risk.
Burns: Burns are also more likely to occur during the holidays. Workers putting up decorations or cooking food may suffer from burns. Chemical burns from fire breakouts are also a possibility, as more things are plugged into the electrical outlets or workers are using electrical products that may have not been used all year.
Food poisoning: Workplaces are not usually in the habit of serving large amounts of food. Some workplaces may also encourage workers to bring food in for an employee potluck. With different commute times and less fridge space, there can be an increase in food poisoning.
Car accidents: People tend to spend more time on the road during the holidays, which leads to an increase in car accidents. This can be due to distracted driving, or drivers leaving a holiday celebration after consuming alcoholic drinks. Employees who spend a lot of time on the road for work may be at an increased risk during the season.

Of course, there are other workplace risks to consider. For example, some workers may take on additional hours to keep up with holiday costs. This can lead them to feel fatigued or overworked, which can lead to workplace accidents. By knowing the most common workplace accidents, you can be better equipped at staying safe.

What to Do If You Are in a Workplace Accident

Despite taking caution, accidents in the workplace are still a possibility. If you are involved in an accident at work, take the following steps:

Receive medical care: Medical care is important and should be the first step following a workplace accident.
Report the accident: Once you have received medical care, report the accident to your employer. Pennsylvania laws require that you report a workplace accident to your employer, or supervisor, within 120 days from the date of the accident.
Talk with a lawyer: After reporting the accident to your employer, it may be beneficial to talk with a lawyer.

Pennsylvania requires employers to carry workers’ compensation in case their employees are injured while on the job. You deserve the benefits available through workers’ compensation. If your employer is not cooperating or your representative has denied your claim, you may have other legal options available.

Contact a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Workplace Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a workplace injury in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Begelman & Orlow, P.C. represent clients injured because of an injury in Haddon Heights, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt. Laurel and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 547-7400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 411 Route 70 East Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 as well as an office in Feasterville, PA.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.