With the holiday season in full swing, plenty of companies have prepared by hiring additional seasonal employees. This year, more than 700,000 additional workers are expected to be hired! If you’re included in that total, here are a few thing to know to help protect yourself during this hectic time…
Seasonal Employees: What To Know
Workers Comp and Seasonal Employment
A question that many seasonal employees might have is about workers compensation. Are they still covered even if they are seasonal employees? The answer: yes, the same as all other employees. Your employer will still have to comply with their state’s workers comp laws and covering your workplace injuries.
However, it’s a good idea to be aware of what those laws say. Most states require employers with at least one employee to offer workers comp. Still, other states may have a higher employee requirement. There may also be special rules for certain industries, such as agriculture.
Temp agencies: how do they fit?
Many seasonal employees use temp agencies to find employment. You’ll still have workers comp rights even when working through a temp agency. However, it becomes a bit more tricky in figuring out who’s liable: the agency or the company.
Usually, when working through a temp agency, they will be your employer. This is usually in the contract you’ll sign with the agency, so make sure to read it carefully! Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your rights too. It’s better to ask about them before any injuries rather than after.
Your risk of injury
Something that seasonal employees should be aware of is their overall injury risk. Workplace accidents tend to increase during the holiday season. Businesses tend to stay open later with more people shopping than usual. This can increase worker stress and make accidents more likely to happen. The colder months also bring their own unique injuries to watch out for.
Make sure to talk to your employer about what their safety plans are. You’ll want to know any steps you can be taking to reduce that injury risk. Make sure to take care of yourself too. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to potentially serious injuries.