Holiday workers have the same rights as all workers

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone. That’s especially true if you have taken on a part-time or regular job in retail, shipping, or other seasonal work. The rush to accommodate all the customers or push everything out the door in time for delivery can be stressful.

That’s what makes this the time of year for a lot of on- the- job injuries. If you have been injured on the job this season and cannot work you may be entitled to workers compensation – even if you are a seasonal or temporary employee.

Haste makes waste, as well as injuries

Businesses of all kinds have to take on extra employees for the season, but retail is by far the biggest additional employer this time of year. Many stores, both physical and online, have to bring on a large number of employees to help with the extra work.

In the rush to get everyone on board, training may not be as adequate as it is the rest of the year. This only adds to the stress created by the rush and increases the potential for injuries on the job.

Covered by the same laws

Seasonal workers often feel that they aren’t entitled to the same protections as full-time regular employees. That’s simply wrong. Every employee is covered by the same laws regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time, even if they are temporary only for the season.

That means that if you are hired for a job which only runs through the end of this month, and you are injured on the job, you can still make a workers’ compensation claim like any other employee.

Hurry up is no excuse

Many workers also feel that some injuries are just “part of the job,” especially those related to repetitive stress. If a job has left you unable to work for a period of time, even a job that has already let you go when the season ended, you have a problem which is not your fault. A rush to get everything done is never an excuse for injuries.

If you feel that you are unable to work after your seasonal job has ended because of an injury you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages until you have properly healed and can work again. Your holiday employer must also pay for your medical expenses relating to the injury.

Stay safe!

If nothing else, it’s important to be as careful as you can on any job regardless of the hours or seasonal duration of it. Pace yourself, get plenty of rest, and don’t be afraid to push back if the long hours or work demands are affecting your health. Never forget that you have the same rights as any other employee.