Safety Risks and Compensation Basics For Night Shift Workers

Not everyone works from 9-5, and while there certainly are some benefits to working odd hours, these shifts also come with their own risks. Even with safety protocols in place, injuries can happen in a moment’s notice. Today, we take a closer look at some of the risks that night shift workers are exposed to on the job, and how they can get compensation for their injuries.

Why Night Shifts Can Be More Hazardous

Here’s a look at some of the reasons why night shift employees face an increased injury risk on the job:

1. The Darkness – This is the most obvious, but night shift workers oftentimes have to work in low-light conditions, especially employees in the construction industry. If you can’t see where you’re going, or worse, drivers and other people can’t clearly see you, you’re at an increased risk for injury.

2. Lack of Management – Most places that have night shifts always have a manager or supervisor on duty, but odds are they aren’t as prepared in the event of an injury as employees who perform the same tasks during the morning shift. If there’s fewer managers on duty, there are less people to supervise certain tasks, which could lead to improper techniques and injury.

3. The Customer Base – For individuals who work in food service or in a bar or club, you’re probably aware of the type of clientele you get after midnight. You’re more likely to be engaged with drunk or hostile customers, and that can lead to an altercation or assault.

4. Sleep Deficiency – Finally, employees who work during the nighttime may struggle to get enough sleep during the bright daytime hours, and that can lead to decreased focus and attention to detail. Over time, sleep deficiency can lead to certain health conditions like high blood pressure and anxiety, but it can also increase your likelihood of suffering an acute injury on the job.

Getting Compensation For A Nighttime Work Injury In Minnesota

If you are injured during a night shift at work, make sure you pursue a compensation award. Statistics shows that injuries involving long-term damage are three times more likely to occur during the night than during the day, so these injuries can be life altering. The best way to maximize your workers’ compensation award is to work with a workers’ compensation attorney.

Not only can we take some stress out of the equation, but research shows that individuals who hire a lawyer earn thousands more in claim awards than those who challenge their case on their own. Oftentimes, a workers’ compensation lawyer can pay for their services many times over, because they know the best ways to maximize your claim in the complex workers’ compensation system.

Dean Margolis has earned compensation awards for nighttime workers in the past, and he’d be more than happy to sit down with you and talk about your options. If you are looking for the best legal representation in the Twin Cities, look no further than Dean Margolis and Margolis Law Firm.