Retailers and warehouses are buzzing with activity as they work to keep up with demand. But behind the scenes, there's a growing concern about keeping workers safe. With high turnover and an influx of seasonal hires, businesses often struggle to ensure everyone is properly trained. This puts new employees at a higher risk of getting hurt. In fact, more than one in three workplace injuries in retail and wholesale involve workers in their first year on the job.
Insurance provider Sentry analyzed over 22,000 injury claims to better understand what’s happening in these workplaces. Their findings highlight key risks and offer insight into how businesses can prevent injuries before they happen.
Why are new hires more likely to get injured?
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced retail or warehouse setting. New hires often don’t have the muscle memory or experience to handle heavy inventory, operate equipment safely, or recognize workplace hazards. Many aren’t given enough time to learn proper lifting techniques or safety protocols before jumping into the job.
Seasonal workers face even greater challenges. They may get less training than full-time employees and are often expected to learn quickly. This lack of preparation leaves them vulnerable to accidents, which explains why 38% of workplace injuries in the industry happen to workers in their first year.
What workplace hazards put workers at risk?
Retail and warehouse jobs come with several common hazards that can lead to serious injuries. The most frequent dangers include:
- Heavy lifting: Employees regularly move large boxes and awkwardly shaped inventory, which puts strain on their backs, shoulders, and joints.
- Slips and falls: Spilled liquids, cluttered aisles, and uneven flooring make slipping and tripping a major risk.
- Falling objects: Items that aren’t stacked properly or secured on high shelves can come crashing down, which leads to head injuries and fractures.
Workers with less than five years of experience also accounted for nearly two-thirds of all reported injuries. First-year employees saw the most injuries at 38%, while those with one to five years on the job made up another 28%. Age also plays a role in workplace safety. More than 60% of reported injuries happened to workers under 30 or over 50. Younger employees may not always recognize risks, while older workers may struggle with the job's physical demands.
What are the leading causes of workplace injuries?
Certain tasks in retail and warehouse jobs are more likely to result in injuries. The most common causes include:
- Lifting strains: Lifting heavy or awkward objects led to 27% of all reported injuries.
- Being struck by falling objects: Unsecured merchandise caused a significant number of injuries.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Spills, uneven surfaces, and cluttered spaces created dangerous conditions.
- Handling sharp or heavy objects: Cuts, fractures, and bruises were common when workers handled products without proper protection.
The impact of these workplace incidents extends far beyond the accident itself. On average, injured retail and warehouse employees missed 70 work days while recovering. For many workers, that’s more than two months without a paycheck. For businesses, these absences create scheduling challenges and productivity losses. Short-staffed teams must work harder, which can increase stress and lead to even more injuries.
How do workplace injuries affect workers beyond the physical pain?
Recovering from a workplace injury isn’t just about healing physically. Many workers face long-term struggles that affect their overall well-being. Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Mental and emotional distress: Chronic pain, financial uncertainty, and an inability to work can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Dependence on pain medication: To manage their pain, some injured workers rely on prescription medication, which can create long-term health concerns.
- Extended recovery times: Certain injuries take longer to heal, keeping employees out of work for months. High-risk claims take 2.6 times longer to resolve.
How can businesses prevent workplace injuries?
Retailers and warehouses can take several steps to create a safer work environment, particularly for new hires. Key strategies include:
- Better training programs: Teaching employees proper lifting techniques, equipment handling, and hazard awareness reduces the risk of injuries.
- Improved workplace organization: Securing shelves, decluttering workspaces, and providing ergonomic tools can prevent common accidents.
- Routine safety checks: Regular inspections help identify and fix potential hazards before they cause injuries.
- Encouraging hazard reporting: Employees should feel comfortable speaking up about unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
How does workers’ compensation help injured employees?
You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits if you were injured while working in retail or warehousing. But getting the full amount you deserve isn’t always easy. Employers and insurance companies may push back on your claim, even if it leaves you struggling to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
The Ohio workers' compensation attorneys at Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A. know how to fight for the benefits you’re owed. We have extensive knowledge of Ohio's workers' compensation system and will leave no stone unturned when helping you file your claim and advocating for your financial benefits. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Don’t let the workers’ compensation system overwhelm you. Take action today and protect your rights by scheduling a free consultation with our Ohio lawyer. The sooner you act, the sooner we can start fighting for you. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
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