With the onslaught of wintertime sales, retail stores in New Jerset become packed with customers while warehouses brim with overloads of stock to meet the demand. While this time of year is typically the busiest for many establishments, it is also a time when a close watch on maintaining safety is in order.
According to a workplace safety journal, increased sales and winter weather bring with them added hazards that are not present to the same extent at other times of the year. Such things as people tracking snow on their shoes into stores can lead to wet floors. This can, in turn, lead to an increased likelihood of slip-and-fall injuries. One recommendation is to coat floors with a gritty surface material to provide additional grip even when floors are wet. Employers may also want to make certain that their workers have shoes with good grip.
Another problem occurs when workers work in cold conditions. While such things as hypothermia and frostbite are common, a lesser-known issue is the danger of dehydration. Employers should allow workers to bring drinks to work so they stay hydrated. They should also make certain that they dress warmly and have time to eat, as eating can help them to be warmer.
An employee who is injured at work may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include the furnishing of medical care and treatment as well as a percentage of wages that are lost when the injured victim is unable to return to the job during the recovery period. An attorney can often be of assistance in obtaining the medical and other documentation to support the claim.