When people list dangerous jobs, they rarely include retail work. However, the wages and respect afforded to retail workers do not necessarily reflect the risks that they accept as part of their jobs.
Retail workers get hurt at work frequently. Some retail employees may eventually develop work-acquired medical conditions. Anyone working in a retail environment likely wants to keep their injury risk as low as possible.
Those who are aware of what typically causes injuries in their industry can use that to help keep themselves safe at work. What are the leading causes of retail worker job injuries?
1. Slips, trips and falls
Retail workers typically spend their entire shifts on their feet. They have to stand behind a register, walk to restock aisles and move as they clean the space. Workers are always just one step away from losing their balance because they slip or trip.
Same-level falls can cause traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. They can also leave workers with painful soft tissue injuries and lacerations. Some retail workers might fall from an elevated position. Those who use ladders to stock shelves or access merchandise could fall and sustain serious injuries. When stores contain stairs or escalators, they can also contribute to fall risk.
2. Overexertion and repetitive work
Sometimes, retail workers have to help a customer load merchandise into their vehicle. They might throw out their back or hurt their knee while trying to lift something for a customer. Overexertion injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations that prevent workers from doing their jobs.
Repetitive strain injuries are also a concern. Workers who must physically perform the same functions repeatedly can damage their bodies gradually. They may eventually develop symptoms that affect their productivity or ability to comfortably perform job tasks.
3. Accidental contact with objects
Some people get hurt when items fall off of a shelf and strike them. Such incidents can break bones or cause brain injuries. Others might make accidental contact with work tools. Deli slicers, forklifts in back rooms and box openers could all cause serious injuries due to accidental contact with a worker.
Violence can also be a safety concern for retail professionals, whether it originates from customers, coworkers or passersby.
Retail workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they get hurt at work. Connecting a medical condition to work is often a key component of a successful benefits claim. Workers may benefit from learning about injury statistics before an incident occurs or after they get hurt.