Safe Workplaces for Retail Workers
When most people think of workplace accidents, they tend to envision injuries caused in an industrial environment. However, retail store employees are also vulnerable to being hurt on the job.
Common Retail Injuries
The fast-paced nature of retail work, coupled with long hours spent standing and performing repetitive tasks, frequently leads to employee accidents. Typical retail injuries include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries are caused by lifting things that are too heavy or bulky, or by using improper lifting techniques. These are the most common injuries in convenience stores and service stations. Musculoskeletal injuries typically impact workers’ backs, shoulders, arms, and hands, resulting in painful inflammation.
- Bruises, fractures, and broken bones. In a retail environment, these injuries are frequently the result of tripping, slipping, and falling on the floor. Being struck by falling or moving objects often leads to bruises, fractures, and broken bones, as well.
- Repetitive strain injuries. Tasks such as keyboarding strain the same body parts over and over and may result in repetitive strain injuries. In retail settings, these ailments typically lead to pain and inflammation in the arms, wrists, and hands, resulting in tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Scrapes and cuts. Retail workers frequently use sharp cutting tools such as knives and box cutters. Accidents can produce anything from minor scrapes to serious lacerations that require emergency medical care.
- Leg cramps and backaches. According to the journal Human Factors, cashiers standing for five hours or more per day can experience significant and prolonged lower-body muscle fatigue. This can lead to severe leg cramps and backaches.
Workplace Safety
Retail employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for their employees by providing proper training, supervising their workforce, and enforcing safety standards. If you’ve been injured on the job, you need an experienced attorney on your side, fighting for the compensation you deserve. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.