Residents of Minnesota have to contend with bitterly cold winters. While many grow accustomed to and enjoy the snowy season, safety remains a concern.
Cold weather safety and injuries should be a matter of consideration for workers whose occupations put them in the elements. If a cold weather-related injury occurs on the job, workers’ compensation typically covers rehabilitation and recovery.
When workers can get compensation in Minnesota
Minnesota’s rules for receiving workers’ comp are straightforward and protect injured workers. The conditions for compensation are that an employee must sustain a work-related injury or occupational disease. The harm must occur during one’s official duties and includes cold weather-related injuries.
Employers must have workers’ comp insurance or else be in violation of the law. The employee does not have to prove carelessness on the employer’s part to establish liability, and an employee’s negligence does negate a claim.
Types of cold weather injuries to watch out for
Cold weather can cause various injuries, such as the following:
- Frostbite: When the skin freezes, blisters or nerve damage can occur. Amputation may be necessary in extreme cases.
- Hypothermia: A rapid drop in body temperature can cause uncontrollable shivering, lost coordination and slurred speech. Unconsciousness and death can result in cases of severe hypothermia.
- Falls: Ice and snow create slippery conditions that can lead to terrible consequences, especially for older individuals. Broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, internal bleeding and chronic pain can develop because of falls.
- Auto accidents: Slick roads can become perilous for even experienced drivers. Also, another motorist may not be so careful and collide with another.
Inclement weather brings additional hazards that may be the reason for an on-the-job injury. When that happens, workers should be able to count on workers’ compensation to help cover the damages.