Worker’s Comp Red Flags: Detecting an Unsafe Winter Workplace
As any resident of the DMV region can tell you, construction is a constant. Even in the most severe weather conditions, DC, Maryland, and Virginia are always building. Indeed, our region has a reputation for industry and hustle. From the grit and dust of the job site to the lab sterility of the doctor’s office, from the glittering towers of tech, finance, and consulting concerns to the garage and basement-bound startups, from the federal agencies to the private sector, our region is always at work. In the dead of winter, this work can be mentally taxing, as we commute in cold mornings and return to early sunsets. But a number of factors specific to winter can also prove physically hazardous. Today’s Malloy Law blog post will explore the worker’s comp red flags to look for if you suspect an unsafe work environment in winter.
Untreated Ice and Snow on Work Premises
One of the most obvious red flags is snow or ice left untreated on:
- Parking lots
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Loading docks
- Entryways and staircases
- Outdoor job sites
Employers are expected to take reasonable steps to remove snow and ice or apply salt and sand in a timely manner. If employees are expected to walk across icy surfaces without any mitigation efforts, that’s a serious safety hazard.
Slip and fall injuries caused by untreated ice are among the most common winter workplace claims.
Poor Lighting During Shorter Winter Days
Winter means reduced daylight hours. Employees arriving before sunrise or leaving after dark face increased risks if lighting is inadequate.
Red flags include:
- Burned-out exterior lights
- Dim stairwells or parking garages
- Poorly lit construction areas
- No temporary lighting for early morning crews
Inadequate lighting combined with icy surfaces dramatically increases fall risk.
Failure to Provide Proper Winter Safety Gear
In industries such as construction, delivery driving, utilities, landscaping, and municipal work, winter exposure is part of the job. But that doesn’t mean workers are expected to “tough it out.”
Employers should provide or require:
- Slip-resistant footwear
- Cold-weather protective gear
- High-visibility outerwear
- Insulated gloves and protective equipment
If employees are working outdoors in freezing conditions without proper safety equipment, frostbite, hypothermia, and fall injuries become much more likely.
Pressure to “Work Through” Dangerous Conditions
It is indicative of an unhealthy culture and an unsafe work environment if supervisors pressure employees to continue working during:
- Ice storms
- Freezing rain
- Hazardous wind chill conditions
- Unplowed or untreated surfaces
Workers should never feel forced to perform tasks that present unreasonable risks due to severe winter weather.
Unsafe Vehicle Conditions for Work Drivers
For employees who drive as part of their job winter vehicle safety is critical.
Warning signs include:
- Bald or poorly maintained tires
- Lack of winter maintenance checks
- No ice scrapers or emergency kits
- Pressure to drive during active snow or ice events
If a company vehicle isn’t winter-ready, accidents become far more likely. Employers who neglect fleet maintenance may be exposing workers to unnecessary harm.
Lack of Safety Training on Winter Hazards
Winter safety requires preparation. Employers should provide training on:
- Recognizing black ice
- Safe lifting on slippery surfaces
- Cold stress awareness
- Safe driving protocols in snow and ice
If no winter-specific safety meetings or communications occur, that may indicate a failure to proactively address seasonal hazards.
The Importance of Knowing Your Status
When beginning a new job, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of information you receive in a period of days or weeks. While many company policies can be relegated to the backburner as the new hire gets to grips with their day to day duties, they should be absolutely certain of their employment status before accepting the job. The mere fact of receiving a paycheck for work does not necessarily make a worker an “employee.” They may in fact be an “independent contractor” not entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Any attempts to obfuscate this status during the hiring or onboarding process should be seen as major worker’s comp red flags.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you find yourself seriously injured while conducting your duties in the workplace, you may quickly become overwhelmed. Lost wages, medical bills, and a long and winding road to recovery. You don’t have to face these challenges down alone. Malloy Law Offices is proud to employ some of Maryland’s worker’s compensation specialists. Our experienced and diverse team can guide your claim to the best possible outcome and advocate aggressively for your best interests. Don’t delay, contact Malloy Law to schedule a free consultation.