Retail work can be physically taxing and dangerous for employees. Retail workers are often asked to stand for long periods, which can lead to injuries. They’re also exposed to potential hazards such as heavy lifting and repetitive movements that can put significant strain on their bodies. In addition, there is the risk of injury due to slips and falls caused by cluttered floors or uneven surfaces.

In this article, we’ll look at the most common injuries that occur in the retail environment and provide tips on how to prevent them.

Back Pain & Strain

Back pain is one of the most common types of injury suffered in a retail setting. This type of pain typically occurs when employees are required to lift heavy objects or perform repetitive motions during their shifts. Back pain can also occur due to poor posture while standing or sitting behind a counter or while helping customers find items in an aisle. Additionally, carrying merchandise from room to room can lead to muscle strain and back pain over time.

To prevent back pain and strain, employers should ensure that employees do not lift more than the recommended weight limit, take frequent breaks throughout their shift, use proper ergonomic techniques when lifting heavy objects, wear comfortable shoes with good support, and take advantage of any workplace amenities such as adjustable chairs or desks provided by the employer.

Knee Pain and Strain

Knee pain is usually due to long-term standing or climbing ladders both indoors and outdoors when stocking shelves with merchandise. Additionally, kneeling on hard surfaces for extended periods of time—for example, when counting stock—can cause joint problems for retail workers who may already have weak knees from years of wear and tear.

To avoid knee pain, employers should make sure that workers take regular breaks throughout their shifts so they don’t remain standing or kneeling for too long at a time. They should provide anti-fatigue mats for staff who must stand for an extended period, ensure that ladders are safe before use, allow staff members who suffer from weak knees to wear knee braces, and offer ergonomically designed chairs where possible so staff can sit comfortably while doing work behind counters or registers.

Wrist and Hand Pain

Wrist and hand pain are also common among retail employees due to constant typing on keyboards or using point-of-sale devices like cash registers all day long without taking any breaks. Repeatedly picking up small items off shelves such as clothing or shoes can lead to wrist strain after an extended period spent stocking shelves or tidying up displays quickly within tight deadlines.

Staff must take regular breaks away from keyboards. Employers should provide equipment such as ergonomic keyboards, which require less effort when typing, give staff members adequate training on repetitive motions such as sorting items into store compartments, and offer stretch breaks every few hours throughout a shift.

If you have suffered an injury in this environment and a third-party is to blame, third party worker’s compensation lawyers can help.

Retail work is repetitive and often boring, but injuries can and do occur. Make sure your employer is adhering to health and safety regulations to keep you safe at all times.