In my nearly 20 years as an HR and Occupational Health and Safety professional, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges faced by seasonal workers — and the impact it can have on a small business. One summer, early in my career, I supported a road repair crew where the influx of temporary employees was essential to maintaining operations. But after a new crew member suffered heat exhaustion while laying asphalt, I found myself wondering, “Why are seasonal workers more susceptible to injuries?”
Experiences like that one taught me early on to understand the unique risks for temporary workers — and the importance of creating tailored safety strategies for seasonal staff, particularly when they can be potentially more expensive to insure due to the nature of their work.
Whether you’re hiring summer marketing interns, holiday retail associates, or snow removal crews, understanding the risks seasonal workers face can help you foster a safer, more productive workplace.
Are Seasonal Workers More Susceptible to Injuries?
Seasonal workers are brought on to address temporary needs during peak times. While their contributions are essential, their temporary status often exposes them to safety risks that permanent employees may not face.
For example, I’ve seen many of the estimated 494,000 retail employees hired for the holiday season1 struggle with the fast-paced environment, leading to mistakes or near misses. Limited training, unfamiliarity with procedures, and the pressure to perform quickly can increase their susceptibility to workplace injuries.
What Factors Contribute to Injuries Among Seasonal Workers?
Several factors make seasonal workers particularly vulnerable to injuries:
Lack of Training and Experience.
Temporary workers often receive less training than permanent staff. In warehousing, I’ve seen new hires left to handle tasks like stocking shelves with little to no guidance on proper techniques — a recipe for back injuries or falls.
High Turnover Rates.
Constantly rotating employees can make it harder to maintain consistent safety standards. On a local snow removal crew I supported, frequent turnover meant safety protocols often needed to be re-taught on the job.
Weather-Related Hazards.
Outdoor roles introduce seasonal hazards from the elements. I remember a snowplow driver who slipped on ice while prepping equipment, suffering both a back injury and a concussion. While mild heat exhaustion might only result in a day off, more severe conditions like frostbite can have long-lasting effects, sometimes enduring for years and leading to significant insurance costs for the employer in many jurisdictions.
Diverse Work Environments.
Seasonal workers are more vulnerable to injury due to their exposure to unfamiliar environments or locations. I remember one summer when a marketing student I supervised was bitten by a dog while delivering materials to a homeowner — an unexpected risk we hadn’t fully accounted for. It’s crucial to have a plan in place for the new environments employees will face, to effectively manage these risks.
Inadequate Safety and Employment Protocols.
Businesses sometimes neglect to update safety measures for temporary roles, which increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, some companies try to cut immediate costs by misclassifying seasonal employees as independent contractors. However, this can be a costly mistake, as the IRS and state authorities place the responsibility on employers to prove a worker is an independent contractor2.
Workers’ Comp: Protections and Employer Responsibilities
Workers’ Compensation (Workers’ Comp) is essential for protecting both businesses and employees. Yet, I’ve encountered employers who mistakenly believed seasonal workers weren’t covered due to their temporary nature. The truth is, most states require Workers’ Comp coverage for all employees, regardless of their status.
And in the long run, the benefit of the workers compensation coverage far outweighs the risks associated with seasonal work hazards.
How to Prevent Injuries Among Seasonal Workers
Here are actionable steps to create a safer workplace for seasonal staff:
Provide Comprehensive Training.
In retail, we implemented a 15-minute safety briefing before every shift during the holiday rush. This quick refresher reduced incidents significantly and ensured even new hires understood basic protocols were non-negotiable.
Encourage Open Communication.
Seasonal workers may hesitate to report safety issues, often due to their temporary status. During my time managing construction crews, I introduced one-on-one check-ins, which proved invaluable in identifying hazards, such as faulty equipment, before they could cause any harm.
Adapt to Seasonal Hazards.
To protect our snow removal teams, we provided non-slip boots and emphasized the importance of taking frequent breaks to avoid cold stress. Small adjustments like these can really make a difference in preventing injuries.
Assign Mentors.
Pairing new hires with experienced staff is a proven strategy. On a roads crew, I matched seasoned operators with newcomers, which improved safety and efficiency. Additionally, supervisors were evaluated based on how consistently they demonstrated good safety practices and adhered to company policies on the job.
Ensuring Seasonal Workers Go Home Safe
Hiring seasonal workers can bring fresh energy and flexibility to your business, but their temporary status requires a proactive approach to safety. By investing in training, fostering communication, and leveraging Workers’ Comp as a safety net, you can protect your team and build a stronger workplace culture while ensuring your business runs smoothly during its busiest times.
- https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/retail-trade-holiday-employment-buildup-and-layoff-2017-2024.htm ↩︎
- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee ↩︎