Tourism in SC & Accidents at the Workplace
Now that summer is almost behind us, those in the local tourism industry can finally let up on their hectic pace, right? Wrong. While the season is often at its most intense from June until August, catering to the needs of out of town guests is a year round venture. For workers, this may mean working overtime and double shifts while having to protect themselves against accidents at the workplace.
Injuries Related To Tourism In South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), tourism related industries continue to be among the top employment providers in our state. More than 1.6 million residents work in some type of service position, and a quarter of a million are in areas geared directly towards hospitality and leisure.
Some work at the front desk or customer service positions at hotels and attractions, whereas others perform back of the house jobs, such as cleaning, maintenance, and laundry attendance. Food service workers play a major role as well, whether it is the bartenders and servers dealing directly with tourists or those involved in food prep and delivery services. High pressure situations and dangerous conditions make these workers more vulnerable to injuries, which can occur as the result of the following:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Heavy lifting, bending and stretching
- Exposure to heat and chemical substances
- Exposure to sharp, pointed, or hot surfaces
- Being struck by or against objects
- Violent altercation between employees or the customers they serve
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those in the service and hospitality industries have one of the highest rates of injuries related to accidents at the workplace. Common types of injuries these workers suffer include muscle strains and sprains, broken bones, head, back, and neck injuries, severe burns, and heat exhaustion.
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Injuries & Accidents At The Workplace
When injuries do occur during the course of your job, you should report them immediately to your supervisor and get the medical care you need. In many cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages through South Carolina Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Unfortunately, due to the high demands of their field, those in the tourism industry may downplay the seriousness of their injuries or be unable to take the time needed to recuperate. This can end up jeopardizing your rights to benefits. But you may be entitled to compensation in the following situations, even if the injury you suffered occurred months ago:
- If you only recently received a diagnosis
- If your job duties aggravated your condition
- If an employer’s negligence was the underlying cause
Get Help Today
To find out if you are entitled to compensation through workers compensation or a personal injury lawsuit, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm today. Our South Carolina injury attorney can help protect your rights while advising you on the best course of action. Call or contact us online to request a consultation at our Charleston office or one of our locations throughout the state.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form