5 Common Holiday Delivery Injuries and What to Do If You’re Hurt on the Job
It’s the holiday season! The weather is getting colder, and work for delivery drivers is picking up. As if delivery personnel were not at risk already, the combination of cold weather coupled with an increased workload leads to a heightened risk of injury for delivery personnel. Here are five common holiday delivery injuries and steps to take if you are hurt on the job.
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Delivery personnel are already at risk for slip and fall injuries, but with colder weather and ice forming on the ground, the risk is even greater, especially in the early hours of the day and late hours of the evening when it is still dark outside.
If you slip and fall while on the job, even if you initially feel okay, we highly recommend reporting the incident to your employer as soon as it happens. A quick text to a manager right after the incident can go a long way if you develop pain later that day or in the days following the incident. Providing notice to your employer is a key part of a workers’ compensation case. If you call your manager, supervisor, or coworker, we recommend following that call up with a quick summary of the call in a text or email to the person you spoke with. For example:
“Hey John, thanks for talking with me about the fall I had today. Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do other than informing you.”
A simple text or email helps take away the employer’s ability to later claim that you never provided notice of your accident or injury. Regardless of how fond of your employer you are, documentation of work injuries is crucial.
If you did not provide notice of a slip and fall right away because you were not in pain and later develop pain that you believe is related to the fall, immediately notify your employer and seek medical attention.
Additionally, if you feel pain anywhere in your body after a slip and fall on the job, seek medical treatment as soon as you are able. Be sure to report everywhere in your body that you are feeling pain at the time. Should you develop pain anywhere else in your body later on, report that pain to your providers as soon as it develops.
2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
During the holiday season, traffic and travel often increase, which means the chance of a motor vehicle accident increases as well. Additionally, roads may be slippery, and drivers are often working long hours under high pressure to complete all of their deliveries. These factors can contribute to an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.
Similar to slip and fall accidents, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident on the job, report the accident to your employer as soon as possible.
If police or emergency medical services arrive on scene, exercise caution with any statements you make. Often, people are in shock, adrenaline is high, and there is an inherent inclination to say you are okay and not injured. Unfortunately, statements, even if true in the moment, can be used against you if you develop pain later. If anyone on the scene asks if you are okay, it is appropriate to say you are not sure and may be in shock.
A common injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident is whiplash. Whiplash is an injury caused by a severe jerk to the head and may result in head or neck pain later on. While whiplash symptoms can appear immediately, symptoms can also be delayed for hours, days, or even weeks.
As soon as you experience the onset of pain after a motor vehicle accident, we recommend seeking medical attention right away. Medical treatment may include a visit to the emergency room, an urgent care facility, an appointment with a primary care doctor, or even a telemedicine visit. Seeking prompt medical treatment for injuries will not only help you receive the proper care you need, but it also prevents the employer from arguing that your injuries are not truly work-related and may have been caused by an unrelated incident outside of work.
3. Repetitive Stress Injuries
With an increased workload during the holiday season, aches and pains that you may have previously tolerated and treated with over-the-counter medication can become more severe and debilitating.
When people think of a workers’ compensation claim, they often assume there must be a specific traumatic incident that causes an injury. However, this is not always the case. Many workers suffer injuries that develop over time as a result of heavy lifting, frequent bending, and other physical demands delivery personnel face.
Similar to a traumatic injury, a repetitive stress injury can impact your life and your ability to work by limiting your ability to perform the daily tasks your employer expects of you, which is why you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Many individuals experiencing repetitive stress injuries work through the pain daily because they are unaware that workers’ compensation covers these types of injuries. Common work-related repetitive stress injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Sprains and strains
- Joint displacement and/or separation
- Slipped vertebral discs
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Bone fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and related nerve impingements
You may be wondering how to know if you have a repetitive stress injury. If you are experiencing pain, you should promptly consult a doctor. It is also important to consult a workers’ compensation attorney, as you may only have a limited amount of time to notify your employer about your injury. Long hours and insufficient staffing can increase the risk of repetitive stress injuries. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic pain after work that does not go away
- Numbness, throbbing, or tingling in the affected area
- Swelling, cramping, and stiffness
- Fatigue and difficulty performing tasks
Treatment for repetitive stress injuries varies, which is why it is especially important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor may recommend treatment such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, braces, or medication for inflammation. In some cases, if conservative treatment does not work and depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may suggest injections or surgery.
A common issue in repetitive stress injury cases is providing notice to the employer. Because there is no clear triggering incident, employers may argue that the injury is not work-related or that the employee waited too long to pursue a claim. Many repetitive stress injury claims are initially denied. To protect your workers’ compensation claim, be aware of the signs and symptoms and consult a physician as soon as possible.
Do not assume that employer pushback or even denial is the end of the road. Be prepared to seek legal counsel and representation if your claim is denied.
4. Animal Bites and Property Hazards
Delivery drivers are often injured by unsafe property conditions or unrestrained animals on private premises.
Property hazards may include uneven surfaces, wet or icy conditions, obstacles and debris, poor lighting, and damaged stairs or railings. These conditions can cause slips, trips, or falls that result in injury.
If you are injured while on your delivery route, here is a step-by-step process of what to do:
- Get treated immediately. Visit an urgent care facility or emergency room and follow the wound care plan.
- Report the injury. Notify your supervisor or report it through your delivery app the same day.
- Take photos. Capture images of your injuries.
- Save evidence. Keep torn clothing, gloves, or damaged gear.
- Document your route. Save screenshots of delivery confirmations and customer communications.
- Call a lawyer. Avoid giving any written or recorded statements before seeking legal advice.
5. Assault and Violence
You may be reading this and thinking, “That could never happen to me,” but assault injuries are more common than many people realize. During the holiday season, delivery personnel handle packages of varying size, weight, and value.
Individuals may attempt to steal packages from delivery vehicles, doorsteps, or directly from delivery personnel. These situations can escalate into physical altercations, resulting in injury. Additionally, customers may become agitated and act violently while you are performing your job duties.
Contact Us
If you were injured while working as a delivery driver during the holiday season, it is important to understand your rights. The workers’ compensation process can be complex, especially when injuries are delayed or claims are denied.