Your concern about safety protections and benefits is valid, especially if you are working as a temporary worker in the construction or manufacturing industry. Seasonal workers are at a significantly higher risk of getting hurt on the job than full-time employees. Understanding the factors behind this is crucial to protecting yourself and your family.
Decoding why the risk spikes
Seasonal workers are essential labor that employers acquire during peak production times. Unfortunately, the increase in numbers can leave employers unprepared to implement protections for these employees.
If you entered the workforce during a busy time, you have a higher chance of injuring yourself at work due to these factors:
- Insufficient safety training: Employers may not allocate sufficient time for proper safety training for temporary employees.
- Fatigue: Seasonal employees can experience fatigue due to heavy workload assignments and poor workplace adjustment.
- Hazardous assignments: Managers can assign dangerous tasks to seasonal employees.
- Limited supervision: Managers may neglect to supervise seasonal workers, especially those working on hazardous assignments.
- Fast-paced demands: Employees can injure themselves from trying to keep up with the fast pace of work.
These reasons can cause severe injuries that may lead to permanent disabilities, leaving seasonal employees at a significant disadvantage.
Taking action after an accident
Fortunately, the workers’ compensation policy in North Carolina covers all types of employees, including seasonal or temporary workers. This means that you can file for benefits when you injure yourself while working.
If you hurt yourself, report the injury to your boss in writing immediately. You should review your employer’s guidelines for work injuries to help you plan your next steps. Seeking legal advice can also be a valuable resource, especially if you are unsure how to navigate the workers’ compensation claim process.
