The holiday season is almost here, and retailers, warehouses, delivery companies and other businesses are gearing up accordingly. Many are hiring temporary and seasonal employees to handle the extra work.
Unfortunately, long holiday hours, rushed training, and limited experience can leave seasonal employees exposed to potential dangers. When an accident does happen, and a temp gets injured, do they have any right to expect workers’ compensation?
Workers’ comp coverage starts on your first minute
Under Pennsylvania law, employers generally must provide workers’ comp coverage for all their employees, including those hired for temporary, seasonal or part-time positions. There’s no minimum length of employment required to qualify for benefits – and no exception for small businesses. That means you could potentially qualify for benefits even if you’re injured during the first minute of your very first shift.
Workers’ compensation only covers injuries that occur in the course of employment. Some common examples of injuries during the holiday season include:
- Back and shoulder injuries from lifting heavy boxes or merchandise
- Slip-and-fall accidents in crowded stores, stockrooms, or warehouses
- Repetitive motion injuries from packing orders or stocking shelves
- Injuries involving forklifts, pallet jacks, or other equipment
- Delivery-related accidents while performing job duties
- Injuries due to aggressive customer behavior, such as pushing and shoving
Injured workers can receive medical treatment, wage loss benefits, and benefits for facial disfigurement or scarring.
What if you work through a staffing agency?
Things can get a little confusing if a staffing agency hired you and assigned you to work for another business.
In most cases, the staffing agency provides workers’ compensation insurance. However, depending on the employment arrangement, the business where you’re actually working may also be considered your employer for workers’ compensation purposes.
If you’re injured, report the accident promptly to both the staffing agency and the company supervising your work. Make sure you document when, where, and how the injury happened. Don’t wait to “see if it gets better,” especially over a weekend.
Temporary employment doesn’t mean fewer legal protections. Understanding your rights can help you pursue the medical care and financial benefits you may be entitled to receive via workers’ comp. Speak to a Pennsylvania certified specialist workers’ compensation attorney today to protect your interests.