Seasonal Workers and Occupational Injury

Temporary employees play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly, but they also bring with them unique challenges when it comes to workplace safety and injury prevention.

Every year, thousands of seasonal workers step into physically demanding roles across agriculture, tourism, retail, construction, and warehousing. While these temporary employees play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly, they also bring with them unique challenges when it comes to workplace safety and injury prevention.

For employers and HR professionals, one of the most effective strategies for managing this risk is to ensure proper medical assessments are conducted before work begins. This is where Pre-Employment Medicals and Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) come into play.

Why Injury Risk Is Higher Among Seasonal Workers

Seasonal workforces are often:

• New to the environment – unfamiliar with job hazards or protocols.
  
  
• Younger or older than the typical workforce – with age-specific health and safety considerations.
  
  
• Placed in physically demanding roles – requiring lifting, standing, or repetitive motions.
  
  
• Working quickly – under pressure to meet short-term goals.
  
  

These factors increase the likelihood of injuries like sprains, strains, repetitive motion injuries, and even heat- or cold-related illnesses, depending on the time of year.

What Is a Pre-Employment Medical?

A Pre-Employment Medical Assessment is a health screening conducted before a worker begins a role. It is designed to:

• Evaluate physical and psychological fitness for specific job tasks.
• Identify pre-existing conditions that could be aggravated by the role.
• Provide a medical baseline for future claims or return-to-work decisions.
  
  

These assessments help employers make informed hiring decisions and ensure that accommodations or role modifications are made when necessary.

The Role of IMEs for Seasonal Workforces

While Pre-Employment Medicals are proactive, Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) provide an objective evaluation after an injury or illness has occurred - or when there is uncertainty about a claim or fitness for duty.

For seasonal employees, IMEs can help:

• Determine whether an injury is work-related or pre-existing.
• Assess whether a worker can return to their job or requires modified duties.
• Provide diagnostic impressions and recommendations.
• Support insurance and legal documentation for claims resolution.
  
  

The Business Case for Medical Assessments

Temporary injuries can lead to long-term costs for businesses - especially when coverage is unclear or when a short-term employee sustains a preventable injury. By integrating pre-employment and follow-up medical evaluations, employers can:

• Reduce injury rates
• Limit compensation claims
• Improve workplace safety culture
• Support fair, data-informed HR decisions
  
  

Practical Steps for Employers

If you regularly hire seasonal workers, consider:

• Partnering with a trusted medical assessment provider to streamline pre-employment checks.
• Customizing assessments to the physical demands of each role.
• Using IMEs to resolve complex or disputed claims efficiently.
  
  
  

Seasonal staff are essential to many industries - but they also bring heightened occupational risks. By incorporating Pre-Employment Medicals and Independent Medical Examinations into your workforce strategy, you protect your team, reduce liability, and ensure smoother operations throughout the busy season.

Need help building a safer seasonal workforce?

Get in touch with IMA Solutions to learn how our assessments can support your HR and risk management strategies. Get in touch with us