Spirits, spiders, and skeletons aren’t the only scary things around the Halloween season. This month’s goulish holiday festivities comes with an increased chance of injuries at the workplace. Although the correlation between Halloween and workplace accidents might not seem obvious, the frightening fun that accompanies spooky season brings about more opportunities for employees to suffer from injuries or illnesses while at workplace gatherings.
Halloween presents a perfect opportunity for an office party. While this is an optimal morale boost for employees, it is also a potentially dangerous circumstance. Accidents and injuries tend to spike during holidays and Halloween is no exception. As you are participating in workplace festivities this Halloween season, beware of any factors that could increase the likelihood of getting injured at work.
Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving contests are a fantastic bonding activity for coworkers. Before slicing into the gourd, ensure the proper precautions are followed to avoid injuries. Each pumpkin carver should have plenty of room around them and any mess on the floor should be cleaned up quickly to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Those jack-o-lantern guts are a major hazard if not properly disposed of.
If an employer wants to display each employee’s beautifully carved pumpkin, be aware of fire risk. Any open flame can be a cause for concern in the workplace. Utilize fake candles when possible. If real candles are used, follow safe procedures—trim the wick before lighting, monitor the burn, and place in an area clear of flammable materials, drafts, and heavy traffic.
Decorations
Other common workplace Halloween decorations include spooky cobwebs, spiders, bats, and witches’ hats. With all the extra adornments around the office, trips and falls become much more prevalent. Decorations on or near the ground can be hazardous and significantly increase the likelihood of on-the-job injury. As with jack-o-lanterns, place any decorations in low-traffic areas to minimize crashes and calamities. Alert employees of the decorations to avoid accidental stumbling into webs or caldrons.
Costumes
Halloween is all about dressing up! A company might host a costume contest where oversized costumes, masks, and over-the-top accessories are allowed. To reduce the risk of being injured while at work during Halloween, opt for a toned-down ensemble. Limit wearing any masks that obstruct your vision and leave any potentially dangerous accessories (like brooms, swords, and tridents) at home.
Not all injuries caused by Halloween-related activities at work are eligible for workers’ compensation. Employers are generally only responsible for an injury if it happens at the workplace during the course of an employee’s normal employment. If an accident happens outside working hours, such as at an off-site company-sponsored party, it is possible that any injury or illness incurred would not be considered a work-related injury. If, however, a Halloween or costume party is beyond normal work hours, but an employer requires attendance as a job responsibility, the injury would be considered a direct result of employment and workers’ compensation benefits should be sought after.
By taking extra precautions in the workplace during Halloween celebrations, employers and employees can prevent accidents and injuries altogether. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation in which you are injured or fall ill because of a spooky situation at work, do not hesitate to contact Poirier Law Firm. Our main priority is to work with you to determine if you are eligible for workers’ comp as a result of your accident and ultimately fight to earn you the benefits you deserve. The only thing scary this time of year should be the vampires and zombies showing up at your door. Let Poirier Law Firm take care of the rest!