Construction, transportation, material movers, and hunting are some industries with the highest work injuries. But those aren’t the only industries. The retail sector, for instance, has its fair share of work-related injuries.
Data shows that the two most common injuries for workers in retail are muscle sprains, spasms, and cuts. These lead to employees taking the most time off from work. They also have the highest rate of claims filed under workers’ compensation.
If you’re an owner of a retail store, it’s vital to be proactive against retail injuries and workplace accidents. Buying workers’ compensation insurance compensates workers injured at your workplace.
Providing your workers with this insurance helps cover the medical costs involved in treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation. But it’s beneficial for you, too, as an owner. Providing coverage reduces the risk of facing a lawsuit or paying for the treatment yourself.
In some states, all employers, whether big or small, are required by the law to provide workers comp to their employees.
But what injuries do workers have in the retail industry? How can the chances of such accidents be reduced, and what are some things to know about workers’ compensation?
What causes injuries at retail stores?
Like those in many industries, retail workers have long working hours, extended shifts, irregular schedules, and an unstructured routine, all of which impact their mental and physical health.
For instance, grocery retail stores have various risk factors that increase injuries. The reason behind that is the physically demanding nature of the job, requiring grocery workers to use extra force, excessive repetition, and remain in awkward and static postures for long periods.
Common injuries that workers face
Workers at retail stores expose themselves to various types of injuries. These stores usually have fast-paced environments marked by long working hours and repetitive motions. The overexertion and demanding nature of their jobs leave them exposed to various injuries, including the ones mentioned below.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal injuries are caused when workers lift heavy items with an improper lifting technique. These involve injuries at the back, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Workers at grocery stores are at high risk of these injuries. Some of those mentioned by OSHA are carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, tendinitis, trigger finger, rotator cuff problems, and epicondylitis.
Bruises and broken bones
Retail workers face a high risk of slipping and falling, resulting in bruises, fractures, back injuries, concussions, paralysis, and broken bones. The highest slip and fall accidents occur among older workers, with the highest rates among those between 45 to 54 years of age.
Repetitive strain injuries
Repetitive strain injuries among workers in the retail sector are caused by repeated movements for a long time. For example, cashiers who scan products and pack them into bags over months and years develop various conditions like tendonitis, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Scrapes and cuts
Employees in retail establishments often use sharp knives and cutting tools in their everyday operations, leaving them vulnerable to scrapes and cuts. These can be minor scrapes or deep cuts requiring major surgery.
How can you reduce the risks involved?
As a business owner, you can reduce the risk of injury to your workers through various methods. You could organize a safety training program, enforce safety protocols, ensure supervision of safety protocols, and encourage employees to take frequent breaks.
Most of all, you should purchase workers’ compensation insurance from a company that understands your requirements, provides helpful tips, and helps you choose the right insurance for your business.
Retail injuries can be minor or severe, for example, cuts, broken bones, concussions, fractures, and lacerations. But whatever their type, you must always have workers’ compensation insurance to cover their treatment and recovery costs, fulfilling your legal obligations and assuring your workers of receiving the treatment they need after an accident, thus raising their morale.