As the leaves turn and the air in southeastern Massachusetts grows crisp, local businesses face seasonal changes that can affect workplace safety. Autumn isn’t just a shift in weather—it brings unique hazards that can elevate the risk of workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims. For business owners in Fairhaven and the surrounding region, now is an excellent time to review your workers’ compensation coverage with Labonte Insurance—ensuring your employees are protected and your business is prepared for seasonal risks.
Seasonal Hazards to Watch for This Fall
- Slippery Surfaces
Wet leaves, early frost, and fall rain create slippery conditions around entrances, walkways, parking lots, and loading docks. These are high-risk zones for slip-and-fall incidents, one of the most frequent types of claims in autumn. - Weather-Related Accidents
As temperatures drop, equipment and machinery may become harder to handle safely, and employees working outdoors in Fairhaven may be more prone to fatigue or muscle strains. Storms, wet roads, and shorter daylight hours also increase the risk of vehicle and property-related accidents. - Seasonal Staffing Changes
Many Massachusetts businesses hire temporary or seasonal workers for retail, landscaping, hospitality or harvest-work this time of year. These staff may be less familiar with your workplace procedures and equipment—raising the chance of accidents. It’s essential your workers’ compensation policy covers all such employees to avoid gaps. - Increased Physical Activity
Fall is busy for industries like landscaping, construction, delivery services, and maintenance. Longer hours and heavier workloads, combined with fall weather, can lead to over-exertion, strains, sprains or repetitive motion injuries. Even tasks like lifting boxes, carrying equipment, or raking leaves pose a risk if preventive measures aren’t in place. - Fall Events and Decorations
Halloween, harvest festivals and other seasonal events bring additional hazards. Employees setting up décor, managing high foot traffic, or cleaning up afterwards are exposed to risks that don’t always arise in other seasons. Your workers’ compensation coverage should account for these seasonal exposures. - Vehicle and Fleet Hazards
If your business in the Fairhaven/New Bedford region uses vehicles for deliveries, service calls or transportation, fall brings its own set of hazards: wet leaves, frost-slick roads and darker evenings all raise the risk of accidents. Reviewing workers’ compensation alongside your auto/fleet coverage ensures employees are protected when out on the road this season.
Why Autumn Is a Smart Time to Review Coverage
- Update Employee Information – Ensure all seasonal hires are included and that records for returning and regular employees are current.
- Adjust Policy Limits – With fall bringing increased exposure, you may need to raise limits to fully protect your business and workers.
- Evaluate Safety Protocols – Use the change of season as a prompt to review training: safe equipment use, slip-prevention, weather-related hazards.
- Coordinate with Other Policies – Make sure your workers’ compensation works in harmony with your general liability, property and vehicle coverage to provide comprehensive protection during busy months.
Tips for a Thorough Fall Workers’ Compensation Review
- Conduct a Site Inspection – Walk through your business property in Fairhaven (indoors/outdoors) and identify fall-specific hazards: wet leaves, icy walkways, seasonal equipment storage.
- Review Claims History – Look back at past autumn claims: are there patterns you can address now?
- Provide Safety Training – Educate seasonal and returning employees about fall hazards, safe tools/equipment use, and accident-reporting procedures.
- Communicate With Your Agent – At Labonte Insurance, talk with your agent about seasonal risks and verify that all employees (including temporary or part-time staff) are properly covered under your workers’ compensation plan.
- Update Emergency Plans – Ensure that evacuation routes, first-aid stations and contacts are suited for fall weather events and seasonal operations.
Bottom Line
Autumn brings a fresh set of risks that can increase workplace injuries and workers’ compensation exposure. By reviewing your workers’ compensation policy now with Labonte Insurance, you can protect your employees, mitigate seasonal hazards, and ensure your business is ready for the months ahead. Proactive planning this fall isn’t just smart—it’s essential for a safer, more prepared workplace.
Ready to get started? Reach out to Labonte Insurance in Fairhaven to review your coverage options and ensure your business is fully protected this season.