At this time of year, many people take on extra work to make money for the holiday season. Many stores also need seasonal helpers. Manufacturers need more factory workers to create more products and retailers need more employees to serve the holiday rush.
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others. Manufacturing, trucking, construction work, and other sectors all have high levels of injury. Perhaps surprisingly, healthcare and education have some of the highest levels of injury in the private sector. However, every workplace, even the quietest office, can result in a job injury or illness.
In California and Chicago, there have recently been a number of smash and grab thefts, involving large, organized group of thieves targeting malls, luxury stores, and shopping centers. Florida and Miami also have seen such crimes in the past and there is often an increase in risk around this time of year.
During Black Friday, huge holiday sales start and while it can be a great way to take care of your gift list, huge crowds at stores can and do cause injuries. Almost every year, people are injured or killed by crowds and violence in stores. In addition, shoppers may be at a heightened risk of parking lot accidents, slip and fall and trip and fall accidents, fraud, and theft due to the crowds at stores at this time of year.
The current pandemic is a very stressful time for business owners. Many businesses are closing or facing significant revenue losses because they have been forced to close due to stay-at-home orders. In addition, measures may mean that businesses have to pay for personal protective equipment, may need to limit the number of people in their store or establishment, or may be losing employees who must self-isolate or who are ill. Industries such as tourism and retail—major parts of the economy in Hollywood and across South Florida—are especially affected.
In addition to this, many businesses are concerned about possibly being held liable if their employees, customers, or visitors get COVID-19. If you run a business, fortunately, there are several ways you can protect yourself against a premises liability claim in Hollywood and other COVID-19 related claims:
Many employees who work in nursing homes in Hollywood, Homestead, and other Florida communities are concerned right now. With the coronavirus outbreak, staff at nursing homes are at risk if there is an outbreak in a long-term care facility, and since there have been many such outbreaks, many employees are justifiably worried.
Compounding the problem is the fact that there is not enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect all staff and in some locations getting tested for the virus can be difficult. In addition, some people who have the COVID-19 virus are asymptomatic. They can pass the illness onto others because they do not know they are unwell, allowing the illness to spread rapidly. Since nursing home staff work closely with residents, they are especially at risk.
In Homestead and across South Florida, workplace violence and injury is a serious concern. While workplaces can create work-safe policies, install more lighting, and add security systems, workplace violence requires a more proactive approach.
Violence on the job can occur due to disgruntled employees or upset workers. It can happen in any place of work and can occur with little warning. The reasons are complex and can involve a combination of individual employee struggles as well as other factors. Preventing often centers around educating workplaces to spot warning signs so those at risk can get help. Some ideas for preventing violence at your office or workplace include:
Unfortunately, one of the realities of workplaces today is that they can be the site of violence. Workplace violence and resulting injury can happen anywhere in Homestead and across South Florida.
Preventing Workplace Injuries in Homestead
There are several ways you can prevent injuries and violence in the workplace:
If you own and operate a small business, you’ll want to take steps to prevent injuries at your business. Even though you are required to pay for liability insurance as a small business, any serious injury at your company can result in financial losses and stress which can threaten the very existence of your organization.
When it comes to Hollywood small businesses, injuries can happen to make stakeholders. You yourself may be injured or the injuries can impact employees, visitors, or your customers and clients. Even delivery persons can be injured when dropping off items at your office or establishment.
Aggression in a Homestead or Florida workplace can lead to injuries or at the very least, a toxic environment. Employers have an obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment for employees, and that means having systems in place to prevent anger and violence. Workplaces can do that with these tips:
Florida Injury Lawyer Blog