Seasonal workers face unique challenges during the holiday season and what employers need to be doing now.
Black Friday is a favorite tradition in our household. It is the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season and when retailers begin making a profit for the year. Sales are everywhere but so are the crowds.
OSHA has now sent a letter to employers warning about the dangers of holiday shopping. This sounds like a joke but it is no laughing matter. Large crowds present a risk of trampling. Lifting heavy items creates a risk of injury. Sometimes the frantic pace of retail is a hazard all by itself.
Safety in the workplace should always come before store profits. Seasonal workers must not be treated like disposable employees. This means providing the same level of training that a regular full-time employee would receive.
OSHA has published a fact sheet regarding crowd management. It includes safety guidelines for planning, pre-event setup, during the sales event, and emergency situations.
Gonzaga University has information regarding safe lifting techniques. This information should be shared with employees.
If an accident does occur, seasonal workers are entitled to medical treatment and wage loss benefits. The State of Michigan provides an employee poster and we have linked to it below.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
WCA: Employees — Know Your Rights Poster
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by customBRICKS.
