There are several types of seasonal work that expose professionals to inclement winter weather. State and local authorities, as well as many businesses, require seasonal services to deal with winter snow accumulation.
Snowplow driving, snow removal from buildings’ roofs and winter pothole repair are all examples of seasonal work available during the winter. These roles are critical after snowfall, but the demand for such services is sporadic, at best. Seasonal workers may have to transition from one set of job tasks to the next based on weather conditions. They may also require special gear and training to protect them from seasonal hazards.
The winter has a strong association with exposure-related illness and injuries stemming from winter weather hazards. Do those working seasonal jobs have an increased risk of needing workers’ compensation benefits?
Winter work can be hazardous
Professionals performing seasonal winter work have to prepare for several potential hazards. Obviously, they need warm clothing and gear to protect them from temperatures below freezing. If they must do their jobs outside, they need warming stations or equipment that can help them avoid frostbite and other exposure-related conditions.
They may also need protective gear and appropriate training to avoid certain hazards. Those clearing snow off of rooftops, for example, have to know where to stand and how to move to avoid struck-by incidents. Falling ice and snow could cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries or brain injuries.
Those driving snow plows on the roads or on private property need to understand how to maintain control of heavy equipment during winter weather. Statistically, snowplow drivers are much more likely to injure others or cause property damage than they are to sustain injuries themselves. That being said, they could end up hurt in a crash or stranded in a snowbank during particularly severe weather.
There is no clear statistical evidence that seasonal work in winter is innately more dangerous. Workers can get hurt during any season. If professionals do end up hurt or sickened because of their seasonal exposure, employees filling seasonal jobs in the winter have the same basic rights to workers’ compensation benefits as any other professional. They may need help pursuing medical and disability benefits, and that’s okay. Securing necessary workers’ compensation coverage is important and can be a complicated task. Seeking legal guidance can make the process easier.