Outdoor workers face challenging conditions during winter

There can be a lot of pressures placed on workers during the holiday season. There may be more demand for services and goods, which means that workers will be expected to complete these requests as soon as possible. Some companies may even bring in extra staff to help deal with the additional work, while other businesses may not have the resources available to expand the workforce.

While this time of the year is very profitable for many different industries, there also challenges that need to be addressed. In Colorado, the weather during the winter months can be very unpredictable. Those employees who have to perform any activities outdoors could find themselves facing an increased risk of accident, which may lead to requests for workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer serious injuries.

Retailers will need to keep their workplaces free from snow and ice, not only to ensure the safety of their customers, but also for those employees who work there. Employees could have to carry goods into or out of the stores, and if there is snow or ice in high-traffic areas, this could increase the risk of a fall. This may lead to broken bones or serious back injuries, which can force the employee to miss time from work while receiving the treatment that they need to recover.

Other occupations will require employees to spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Colorado is a very popular destination for tourists who will be spending time skiing or snowboarding. All of these facilities will require employees to ensure the safety of guests, and this could constantly place them into potentially dangerous situations. Employers must be sure that they are adhering to all safety requirements to help prevent any accidents that may arise.

Those employees working outside should also be sure that they are aware of some of the warning signs of frostbite, as this is a relatively common issue that outdoor workers will encounter. If fingers or toes start to feel numb or are tingling, the employees should get indoors as soon as possible. Failing to take these steps may result in amputations or other permanent damage to the affected areas.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you should speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in your area to understand the rules that you will need to follow in order to receive the benefits you need while you are out of work. Each state will have a very specific process in place, and you need to be sure that you comply with all of these requirements in order to keep all of your options open.