workers compensation

In autumn, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and fall festivals come alive, drawing crowds eager to celebrate the season. Behind the scenes, however, a dedicated workforce of seasonal employees are making these experiences possible. These seasonal jobs bring valuable opportunities, but they also carry real risks that can easily be missed. Both workers and employers need to be aware of these dangers and understand the rights that protect temporary employees.

The Rise of Autumn’s Seasonal Workforce

Each autumn, local farms, orchards, and festivals rely on a surge of temporary workers—students, retirees, and folks looking for extra income—to keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s helping visitors pick apples, carving pumpkins, or setting up for a busy festival weekend, these jobs are the backbone of fall’s busiest attractions. But the fast pace and hands-on nature of the work can also put seasonal employees at risk for injuries that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

Common Injuries Among Autumn Seasonal Workers

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Autumn weather is unpredictable. Rain, mud, and fallen leaves can create slippery surfaces in orchards and festival grounds. Workers carrying heavy loads or navigating uneven terrain are especially at risk. A simple misstep can lead to sprained ankles, broken bones, or even head injuries.

2. Cuts and Lacerations

Handling sharp tools is a daily reality for many seasonal workers. Whether it’s carving pumpkins, pruning apple trees, or setting up festival booths, the risk of cuts and lacerations is ever-present. Inadequate training or rushed work can increase the likelihood of accidents.

3. Lifting and Overexertion Injuries

Moving crates of apples, bales of hay, or heavy decorations requires strength and proper technique. Unfortunately, many seasonal workers receive little training on safe lifting practices. Back strains, muscle pulls, and hernias are common injuries resulting from improper lifting or overexertion.

4. Equipment-Related Accidents

From tractors and forklifts to cider presses and carnival rides, autumn venues rely on a variety of machinery. Inexperienced workers may not be familiar with safety protocols, increasing the risk of accidents. Entanglement, crush injuries, and even amputations can occur if equipment is not used properly.

5. Exposure to Chemicals and Allergens

Pesticides, cleaning agents, and fertilizers are often used in agricultural settings. Without proper protective gear, workers can suffer from skin irritations, respiratory issues, or allergic reactions. Additionally, exposure to moldy hay or decaying plant matter can trigger asthma or other respiratory conditions.

6. Animal-Related Injuries

Petting zoos and hayrides are autumn staples, but working with animals carries its own risks. Bites, kicks, and scratches are possible, especially if animals are startled by crowds or loud noises.

7. Heat and Cold Stress

While autumn is known for its mild weather, temperature swings can be dramatic. Workers may face chilly mornings and warm afternoons, leading to heat exhaustion or hypothermia if not properly dressed or hydrated.

Why Seasonal Workers Are Especially Vulnerable

Seasonal employees often face unique challenges that can increase their risk of injury:

Limited Training: Most seasonal workers are brought on just as the busy season kicks off, and employers are often in a rush to get everyone up to speed. Instead of thorough, hands-on training, many temporary hires get a quick rundown or a brief orientation. This leaves them without a real understanding of the equipment they’ll use, the layout of the property, or the specific hazards they might encounter on the job.

Inexperience: A large portion of the autumn workforce is made up of teenagers, college students, or people trying out this kind of work for the first time. They may not have the background to spot unsafe situations or know the safest way to handle tools, ladders, or machinery. Without prior experience, it’s easy to make mistakes or overlook warning signs that a more seasoned worker would catch.

Pressure to Perform: Fall events are fast-paced and often crowded, with a lot riding on each weekend. Seasonal workers can feel intense pressure to keep lines moving, finish tasks quickly, or handle more than they’re comfortable with. In the rush to keep up, safety protocols can get skipped or ignored, and workers might push themselves harder than they should, increasing the risk of accidents.

Lack of Familiarity with Rights: Temporary employees don’t always know what protections they’re entitled to, or they might assume that, as short-term hires, they don’t have the same rights as full-time staff. Some may worry that speaking up about unsafe conditions or reporting an injury could cost them their job. This lack of awareness—or fear of retaliation—means hazards can go unreported and injuries may not get the attention they deserve.

Workers’ Compensation Rights for Temporary Employees

A common misconception is that seasonal or temporary workers are not entitled to the same protections as full-time employees. In reality, most states—including New York—require employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for all employees, regardless of their status.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who are injured on the job. It is a no-fault system, meaning workers do not need to prove their employer was negligent to receive benefits.

Key Rights for Seasonal Workers:

Coverage from Day One: Workers’ compensation coverage typically begins on the first day of employment, even for temporary or part-time workers.

Medical Care: Injured workers are entitled to necessary medical treatment for their injuries, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation.

Wage Replacement: If an injury prevents a worker from returning to their job, workers’ compensation may provide partial wage replacement during recovery.

Protection from Retaliation: It is illegal for employers to fire or punish workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Right to Report Injuries: Workers should report injuries as soon as possible. Delays can complicate claims or result in denial of benefits.

What Should Seasonal Workers Do If They Get Injured?

Report the Injury Immediately: Notify a supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Written notice is best.

Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Document Everything: Keep records of the incident, medical visits, and communications with the employer.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Follow the procedures outlined by your state’s workers’ compensation board.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers who bring on seasonal workers have a responsibility to provide thorough safety training, supply the right protective gear, and keep the workplace free of hazards. They’re also required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers all employees, including temporary staff. If an injury does happen, employers must respond quickly and fairly to any reports or claims, ensuring workers get the support and care they need.

Creating a Safer Autumn Workplace

Both employers and workers can take steps to reduce the risk of injury:

Training: Employers should offer thorough safety training, even for short-term hires.

Communication: Encourage open dialogue about hazards and empower workers to speak up.

Proper Equipment: Ensure all tools and machinery are in good working order and that workers have access to protective gear.

Supervision: Provide adequate supervision, especially for inexperienced workers.

Rest and Hydration: Remind workers to take breaks and stay hydrated, particularly during long shifts.

Protect Your Team and Your Business. Contact Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson for a Free Consultation 

Behind every autumn celebration are hardworking seasonal employees who deserve a safe workplace and fair treatment. Recognizing the risks and understanding workers’ rights isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for protecting your team and your business. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job, or if you’re an employer seeking guidance on compliance and workplace safety, Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson is here to help. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to advocating for injured workers and advising employers on best practices. Don’t leave safety or legal compliance to chance—contact us today for a free consultation.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice regarding your specific situation, please contact our office directly.