Winter is not over yet, which means there are still plenty of opportunities for seasonal related accidents. Slips, trips and falls are particularly troublesome during the winter because of things like ice and snow. Here are some of the ways that winter weather puts New Jersey workers at risk for serious workplace injuries.
Outside dangers
Taking quick action after snowfall is important, because unshoveled snow on sidewalks, walkways and common areas poses a slipping hazard. Employers are encouraged to salt and shovel these areas as soon as possible and preferably before employees return to work. When employers fail to follow these simple safety precautions, it is the workers who often face the greatest risk of injury. Other preventative measures employers might want to take include:
- Clearing gutters
- Placing mats in entryways
- Removing debris
Stairs, ladders and other heights
Slippery handrails, stairs or ladder rungs can cause workers to fall. If a stairway or ladder has been exposed to snowfall, rain or other winter weather, it should be cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible. Working on a rooftop can also be very dangerous during the winter months, as accumulated snow can lead to serious and even fatal injuries.
Suffering an on-the-job injury can be a life altering experience. Without the stability of a regular paycheck, victims who are out of work often struggle to handle their medical bills on top of their daily expenses. Getting help for workplace injuries is important though, and in New Jersey this often means securing workers’ compensation benefits.