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3 Common Injuries From Removing Holiday Decorations

Published on December 30th, 2020 by The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm

Exercise Caution When Removing Holiday Decorations

Year after year, people spend hours creating “picture perfect” holiday decorations to bring the holiday spirit to life. Many bring this holiday cheer to the workplace. Employees bring in Christmas trees, hang dainty ornaments, and string colorful lights for all to see. However, when the holidays have passed, the care and excitement exercised when putting up the décor is exchanged with hastily taking everything down. Getting an injury while removing holiday decorations in the workplace can be avoided by following safety measures. The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm wants you to practice caution and be aware during three situations that you may encounter this holiday season while removing holiday decorations.

Slips, Falls, and Trips

Slip, fall, and trip injuries are some of the most common injuries from removing holiday decorations in the workplace. As employees remove holiday lights from trees and from high beams within the workplace, it is necessary to be aware of the dangers of climbing ladders. Faulty ladders and climbing ladders too quickly can cause employees to fall. Trips occur when decorations are not properly put away and left out. These objects can be hazardous to workers as they are not anticipating obstacles in their path. Slips occur when leaving wrapping paper on the floor. It may sound unlikely, but people have slipped on wrapping paper, causing injury!

Physical Injuries from Moving Heavy Decorations

Another significant aspect to note while removing holiday decorations is the risk of physical injury from moving heavy decorations. Often, it is easy for someone to underestimate the strain of carrying a heavy box or a Christmas tree. If an employee attempted to carry a tree out of the workplace, they may pay the consequence of a strain or tear to a ligament or muscle that could inhibit their ability to work. In another example, an employee may try to lift a large box of string lights onto the top shelf in the storage room, but the box fell on them, causing a possible concussion or facial contusion.

Electrical Shocks

A final risk to consider when removing holiday decorations this season is electrical shock from removing holiday lights, electronic menorahs, and other festive decorations. Electrical shock can result from poor quality lights, improper use of the lights, or improper maintenance. Although electric shocks may be painful, they are usually unlikely to cause major residual damage. However, if a person has a heart condition, arrhythmia could be a byproduct of the shock, resulting in a potentially fatal outcome.

Though most try to implement safety precautions when removing holiday decorations, the risk of injury from removing decorations is still imminent. After a work injury occurs, an employee may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Almost all corporations in Illinois have some form of workers’ compensation insurance to ensure employee safety. If you have suffered a workplace injury due to removing holiday decorations, our Illinois Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help represent you.

It’s important to note that your injury from taking down holiday decorations may only qualify for workers’ compensation if decorating was part of your assigned work duty. If you were injured while decorating on your own accord, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation. You can always call the Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm for a free case assessment.

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