Grocery store workers are at risk of serious workplace injuries

Some jobs carry obvious injury risks. Any job involving the use of heavy machinery often has high rates of workplace injuries. However, all jobs carry risks that can injure workers. Grocery store employees are an often-overlooked group that faces numerous dangers at work.

Common injuries suffered by grocery store employees

Grocery store workers perform a wide range of tasks that can lead to serious injuries, including:

• Repetitive stress injuries
• Lifting injuries
• Slips-and-falls
• Injuries resulting from falling objects
• Serious cuts and burns

You should take any workplace injury seriously, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal in the moment. Some injuries, especially soft-tissue injuries or back injuries may only worsen over time.

It is important to report any suspected injuries to your employer as soon as possible. Doing so may help strengthen your claim for workers’ compensation benefits if your injury worsens to the point where you are unable to work.

Work-related illnesses are also covered by workers’ comp

Workers’ compensation covers more than physical injuries. You can also apply for benefits if you have contracted a serious illness or disease at work. For example, repeated exposure to chemicals can make you ill. Encountering a customer who passes on a contagious disease can also leave you unable to work.

If you believe that your workplace has made you seriously ill, you should seek professional advice to determine your available options for recovering workers’ compensation benefits.

Steps to make your workplace safer

You and your employer can work together to help reduce the risk of injury at your store, including:

• Working shorter shifts
• Switching tasks regularly to avoid repetitive motion injuries
• Raising or lowering displays to avoid sprains from twisting and reaching
• Ensuring knives and box-cutters are sharpened and in good condition

You can also take steps on your own to help reduce your injury risk. Proper lifting techniques can help protect your back from serious strain, and proper footwear can help reduce your risk of slipping and falling.

Workers’ compensation benefits may be available

The workers’ compensation system benefits employees in all professions. If you are a grocery store worker and have been hurt on-the-job, you may be eligible for medical treatment and financial compensation.