The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and, unfortunately, a significant increase in workplace injuries. From retail workers handling Black Friday crowds to warehouse employees managing record-breaking shipment volumes, workers across the Carolinas face heightened risks from November through January.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace injuries increase dramatically during the holiday shopping season due to rushed tasks, seasonal hiring, and hazards like falls in retail and warehouses. The numbers are sobering:
- In 2023, private industry reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses overall, down 8.4% from 2022—but warehousing and storage saw high rates (e.g., 4.4 cases per 100 full-time workers).
- Slips, trips, and falls account for nearly 20% of all nonfatal workplace injuries annually (about 674,100 cases in 2021–22), with rates spiking during holiday decorating, crowded stores, and winter weather.
- New hires (less than one year of service) face elevated risks, accounting for about 40% of fatal injuries in some analyses—critical during peak seasonal hiring when training is rushed.
- Falls result in over 8 million emergency room visits annually nationwide, with workplace falls contributing a significant portion (e.g., ~15% of nonfatal cases, or 390,000+).
- In 2022, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries and over 2.8 million nonfatal work injuries in the United States.
During the holidays, these numbers climb as workplaces across the Carolinas face unique seasonal pressures like overtime, temporary staff, and slippery conditions.
Why Do Workplace Injuries Increase During the Holidays?
Several factors converge during the holiday season to create a perfect storm for workplace accidents:
1. Seasonal and Temporary Workers
The holiday season is the busiest time for retail, warehousing, delivery, and logistics companies. To meet demand, employers in North Carolina and South Carolina hire thousands of temporary workers. However, these workers often lack:
- Comprehensive safety training.
- Familiarity with equipment and machinery.
- Knowledge of company safety protocols.
- Experience recognizing workplace hazards.
According to the Travelers Injury Impact Report, 36% of all workers’ compensation injuries occur during an employee’s first year. Temporary workers, rushed through training to meet holiday deadlines, face even higher risks.
2. Increased Workloads and Extended Hours
The pressure to meet end-of-year deadlines, fulfill online orders, and serve holiday shoppers leads many workers across the Carolinas to:
- Work overtime and extended shifts.
- Skip breaks to keep up with demand.
- Perform physically demanding tasks for longer periods.
- Sacrifice sleep and rest to earn extra money for gifts.
Fatigue is a major contributor to workplace accidents. Exhausted workers make careless mistakes, operate machinery dangerously, and have slower reaction times—all of which increase injury risk.
3. Stressful Working Conditions
The holidays bring emotional and financial stress. Workers juggle:
- Increased job responsibilities.
- Holiday shopping and preparations.
- Family obligations and travel plans.
- Financial pressure to buy gifts.
This stress leads to distraction, reduced focus, and burnout, all of which contribute to accidents.
4. Winter Weather Hazards
North Carolina and South Carolina’s winter weather creates additional workplace dangers:
- Icy parking lots and walkways.
- Wet floors from rain, snow, or sleet tracked indoors.
- Reduced visibility during darker morning and evening hours.
- Slippery loading docks and outdoor work areas.
5. Holiday Decorations and Cluttered Workspaces
Festive decorations can create unexpected hazards:
- Extension cords across walkways.
- Ladder falls while hanging lights or decorations (47% of holiday decorating injuries result from ladder falls, with nearly half requiring hospitalization).
- Cluttered aisles and obstructed exits.
- Overloaded electrical outlets creating fire risks.
6. Increased Traffic and Delivery Demands
For workers in transportation, delivery, and logistics:
- Congested roads and parking lots increase accident risk.
- Rushed deliveries lead to unsafe driving.
- Heavy traffic creates stress and fatigue.
- Time pressure encourages dangerous shortcuts.
Common Types of Holiday Workplace Injuries
Workers face various injury types during the holiday season including:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents from wet floors and icy surfaces.
- Overexertion injuries from lifting heavy packages and merchandise.
- Ladder and elevation falls while decorating or stocking shelves.
- Vehicle accidents from congested traffic.
- Cuts and crushing injuries from machinery.
- Burns from electrical hazards and overloaded outlets.
Understanding Your Workers’ Compensation Rights
If you’re injured at work during the holidays, workers’ compensation laws protect you—but the rules differ between states.
South Carolina Workers’ Compensation
In South Carolina, injured workers are entitled to no-fault benefits regardless of who caused the accident. These include full medical coverage for treatment that cures or relieves the injury, wage replacement at two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) up to the 2025 state maximum of $1,134.43 or light-duty work, permanent disability benefits if applicable, and vocational rehabilitation to help restore earning capacity.
Your employer has the right to choose your treating doctor and any changes require employer approval. Injuries must be reported within 90 days, and claims filed within two years.
North Carolina Workers’ Compensation
North Carolina offers no-fault benefits for work-related injuries, including necessary medical treatment, wage replacement at two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) within state limits, and disability compensation for temporary or permanent losses. You may also receive vocational rehabilitation to help restore your earning capacity.
Your employer’s insurance carrier chooses the initial doctor, but you can request a change with Commission approval. Injuries must be reported in writing within 30 days, and claims must be filed within two years.
Steps to Take After a Holiday Workplace Injury
- Report Immediately: Notify your employer right away. South Carolina requires prompt reporting to your employer but no longer than 90 days from the accident; North Carolina mandates reporting within 30 days.
- Seek Medical Care: Get treatment immediately and follow all the doctor’s orders. In North Carolina, you may need to see insurance-approved doctors initially.
- Document Everything: Photograph the accident scene, gather witness information, and keep all medical records and bills.
- File Your Claim: Submit workers’ compensation paperwork promptly. Both states give you two years to file your claim with the Commissioner, but don’t wait.
- Avoid Social Media: Insurance companies monitor posts in both states. Don’t share anything about your accident or activities.
- Don’t Sign Anything: Insurance companies offer quick, low settlements. Consult an attorney before accepting.
Get the Help You Deserve
If you’ve been injured at work this holiday season, you don’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. At Stewart Law Offices, our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers understand the laws in both states and know how to protect your rights. We’ll handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery and your family.
Call 866-STEWART today for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout South and North Carolina. Don’t let a workplace injury ruin your holidays.
