Tis the season for temporary and holiday workers, those unsung heroes who make this time of year a success for retailers far and wide. It can be a hard job and sometimes, the individuals doing this work get injured. 

So, do temporary and holiday workers get workers’ compensation benefits?

Temporary workers are found in many industries, like restaurants, retailers, hotels, warehouses, factories, etc.  In some situations, they can be at risk of a work related injury, so this is a great question. Before you take that seasonal job, you might want to make sure you don’t end up paying a greater price. 

At the end of the day, temporary workers ARE entitled to workers’ compensation benefits – as they are treated just like any other worker. If you get injured at a seasonal, temporary or holiday job, you are entitled to the same benefits as a regular employee – so don’t let an employer tell you otherwise!

If you have been injured as a seasonal, temporary or holiday worker, it’s best to seek the guidance of an qualified workers’ compensation attorney so you know your rights and can get the treatment and financial help you need to recover. 

Here are some reasons why temporary and holiday workers might be more susceptible to injuries on the job:

1. Lack of knowledge of the workplace – people may not know the workplace well. If you’ve never worked in a warehouse, or in a restaurant, you might not know all the ways to lift, carry or handle items, including using potentially dangerous equipment. That can put such temporary and seasonal workers in danger.
2. Limited training. Many seasonal or temporary workers simply don’t get enough training, as they are thrown into a job during a busy time where everyone is rushing – and managers might not want to invest in someone who won’t be around long. That can put workers at risk for accidents or injuries.
3. Physical hazards and fatigue. Seasonal workers tend to do jobs that other employees don’t want to do, such as moving or unpacking boxes, stocking shelves and more. These jobs can lead to injuries, strains or repetitive use injuries – especially if you haven’t been properly trained in how to lift or move heavy packages. Also, temporary workers can work long hours, which can lead to mistakes or carelessness – and injuries to themselves or their coworkers!

Seasonal work can be a great way to make some holiday cash, but it’s always a good idea to keep safety first, so you don’t have to deal with a workers’ compensation claim!

Connor Kimmet and Hafenstein LLP

If you have questions about an injury and how it can impact your job, our qualified attorneys are here to help. Contact us today.