Each summer, thousands of seasonal and temporary workers are hired across Pennsylvania in industries such as landscaping, food service, construction, and recreation. While these jobs are often short-term, the risk of workplace injury can be significant. Unfortunately, many workers in these positions are unaware of their rights or are told they aren’t covered by Workers’ Compensation. In reality, Pennsylvania law generally protects seasonal and temporary employees just like full-time workers.

What’s the Difference Between Seasonal and Temporary Workers?

Understanding employment classifications can be confusing, especially for short-term positions. In Pennsylvania, the terms “seasonal” and “temporary” typically mean:

• Seasonal Workers: Hired for a specific period of increased demand, like summer, harvest season, or holidays. Their employment ends when the season concludes.
• Temporary Workers: Often employed through staffing agencies to cover short-term needs, such as employee absences or special projects. Their jobs are not tied to a particular season.

Although these roles are limited in duration, both seasonal and temporary workers are generally considered employees under Pennsylvania law and may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits.

Are Seasonal and Temporary Employees Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act requires most employers to carry insurance that provides benefits to employees injured on the job. These benefits typically include medical coverage, wage loss compensation, and payments for permanent injuries.

Seasonal and temporary employees are covered just like full-time workers, as long as they are legally classified as employees, not independent contractors. Even workers hired for a single day may be entitled to benefits if they suffer a job-related injury.

Which Seasonal and Temporary Jobs Pose the Highest Risk?

Many seasonal roles involve physical labor, limited training, or hazardous conditions. These factors can increase the risk of workplace injuries. Some of the highest-risk temporary and seasonal jobs in Pennsylvania include:

• Agricultural Work: Exposure to chemicals, heavy equipment, and heat can cause serious injuries, including respiratory problems and heatstroke.
• Amusement Park Jobs: Ride operators and maintenance staff face dangers from moving machinery, heat exposure, and falling objects.
• Construction and Roofing: High heights, power tools, and extreme temperatures lead to a high rate of falls and other injuries.
• Hospitality Work: Seasonal hotel, resort, and restaurant employees face slip and fall risks, burns, and repetitive stress injuries.
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping: Common injuries include sprains, overexertion, and lacerations from machinery.
• Road Maintenance: Workers are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and being struck by passing vehicles.
• Warehouse Positions: Lifting injuries, equipment accidents, and falls are frequent in this setting.

What Are Common Injuries Among Seasonal Workers?

Seasonal employees often perform demanding tasks in fast-paced or unfamiliar environments, which can increase the likelihood of accidents. Common workplace injuries include:

• Chemical exposure from pesticides and cleaning agents.
• Machinery accidents involving forklifts, lawn equipment, or kitchen tools.
• Falls from ladders, rooftops, or loading docks.
• Injuries from falling objects, especially in construction and warehouse jobs.
• Heatstroke and dehydration from working in high temperatures.
• Lifting and overexertion injuries, such as back strain or herniated discs.
• Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces.
• Vehicle-related accidents, including being struck by cars or equipment.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available?

If you’re a seasonal or temporary employee injured on the job in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to the following benefits:

• Medical Benefits: Coverage for treatment, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Wage Loss Benefits: Partial replacement of lost income if you’re unable to work.
• Specific Loss Benefits: Compensation for the permanent loss of use of a body part.
• Disfigurement Benefits: Payments for permanent scarring of the head, face, or neck.

The exact benefits depend on the severity of the injury, your earnings, and how long you are unable to work.

What If My Employer Denies My Claim Because I’m a Seasonal or Temporary Worker?

Some employers or insurers may attempt to deny claims by arguing that seasonal or temporary workers are not eligible. However, Pennsylvania law protects all employees, regardless of how many hours they work or how long they’ve been employed.

If your claim is denied based on your job status:

• Request a written explanation of the denial.
• Speak with an experienced Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyer.
• Don’t assume you’re ineligible because your job is short-term. If you were hired as an employee and injured at work, you are likely entitled to benefits.

What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury in Philadelphia?

To protect your rights and ensure you receive benefits:

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
• Seek medical treatment and inform your doctor that it’s a work-related injury.
• For the first 90 days, you may need to see an employer-approved provider.
• Document everything. Take photos, save medical records, and record missed workdays and expenses.
• Contact a Workers’ Compensation lawyer for help filing a successful claim.

How Galfand Berger LLP Can Help After a Workplace Accident in Philadelphia

Our lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP fight for seasonal and temporary employees who face denied claims, unpaid benefits, or serious injuries.

We’ve helped clients recover significant compensation for workplace injuries, including:

• $5 million for a worker killed by a falling paper roll.
• $2.2 million for a worker whose thumb was severed by a defective machine.

See more of our results.

Are You an Injured Seasonal or Temporary Worker? Contact the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Today!

If you were injured while working in a seasonal or temporary position, you may be entitled to full Workers’ Compensation benefits under Pennsylvania law. Contact the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.