With the busy holiday shopping season in full swing, retail workers are putting in long, exhausting hours to prepare for the influx of holiday shoppers. Like any other demanding occupation, retail work does not come without risks.
According to a 2018 report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), researchers found that “retail trade accounted for 14 percent of all injuries and illnesses [within the] private industry.” When calculated, this percentage amounts to almost 410 thousand occupational injuries and illnesses in 2018. A 3.6 percent increase from the total recorded cases in 2017.
Some of the most common injury risks for retail workers include:
- Overextension injuries from excessive physical effort.
- Strains and sprains from lifting and handling heavy items.
- Hernias from lifting and handling heavy items.
- Slips, trips, and falls from improperly maintained walkways.
- Traumatic injuries from falling objects.
- Cuts and lacerations from lives, box cutters, or other sharp objects.
- Traumatic injuries from industrial-grade vehicles and equipment.
- Poor health and a weakened immune system from workplace stress.
Because retail environments can be hazardous, numerous rules, regulations, and procedures are in place to protect workers. However, a devastating accident could result if these procedures are not properly maintained.
In a recent report from the BLS, researchers found that a total of 287 retail trade workers sustained fatal injuries in 2017. If these injury rates continue to grow, the total number of fatal injuries for retail workers could be well over 300 by New Year’s Eve.
Contact a New York Injury Lawyer
Retailers are responsible for maintaining a safe, hazard-free work environment for their employees — no matter what time of year it is. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, you could be compensated for your harm. This compensation might be available in the form of workers’ compensation benefits or a personal injury claim. It depends on the specifics of your situation. Contact Hach & Rose, LLP to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney at (212) 779-0057 to schedule a FREE consultation today.