As retailers and warehouses gear up for their busiest seasons, they face the challenge of keeping workers safe. The fast-paced nature of these jobs, combined with high turnover and seasonal hiring, makes it difficult to build a well-trained workforce. New employees, eager to prove themselves, often step into these roles without fully understanding workplace hazards. Unfortunately, that puts them at the greatest risk of workplace injuries, which can mean weeks (sometimes months) away from work.
To better understand these risks, insurance company Sentry analyzed over 22,000 injury claims from retail and wholesale businesses. The findings show a major injury trend, pinpoint key dangers, and offer insights to help businesses create safer environments for their employees.
What does the data reveal about retail worker injury risks?
Sentry’s analysis uncovered serious injury risks in the industry, including:
- More than one-third of injuries involved workers in their first year on the job.
- The average injured worker missed 70 days of work.
- Over 60% of injuries affected employees under 30 and over 50.
- The most common causes of injuries included lifting heavy objects, falling objects, and slips.
What risks do new retail employees face?
Starting a new job can be overwhelming. In retail and warehouse environments, where speed and efficiency are necessary, inexperienced workers may struggle to keep up. They often handle heavy products, work in crowded spaces, and use equipment they may not be familiar with. This lack of experience makes them more likely to get hurt, and the figures prove it. Here's what the data shows:
- 38% of workplace injuries happened within an employee’s first year.
- Another 28% of injuries involved workers with 1–5 years of experience.
- Injury rates dropped significantly for those with more than 5 years on the job.
These numbers reinforce the importance of hands-on training, mentorship, and clear safety protocols for new hires. Businesses that invest in early-stage training can reduce injuries and keep employees working safely.
Which age group is the most at risk of retail work injuries?
Workplace injuries don’t just affect new hires. The data shows that younger and older workers face higher risks and account for more than 60% of injuries in the industry. For younger workers, inexperience plays a major role in injuries. For older employees, the physical demands of lifting, bending, and repetitive movements increase their risk. Here are the figures:
- Workers under 30 suffered the most injuries, making up 32% of claims.
- Employees aged 51–65 were next, accounting for 26% of injuries.
- Workers aged 31–40 and 41–50 had lower injury rates, at 20% and 16% respectively.
What are the leading causes of retail worker injuries?
Retail and warehouse jobs require physical labor, making certain injuries more common than others. The data shows that lifting injuries top the list, but several other hazards also contribute to retail workplace accidents. That includes:
- Lifting and handling objects: The most common cause of injuries, leading to 27% of claims.
- Falling or flying objects: Often caused by high shelving and unsecured materials.
- Slip and falls: Frequently, the result of wet or cluttered floors.
- Handling heavy or awkward objects: Leading to sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
What are the most common retail work injuries?
The most common types of injuries identified in the study included:
- Strains (27%): Caused by lifting, repetitive motion, and awkward movements.
- Contusions (18%): Often from falling objects or workplace collisions.
- Sprains (15%): Frequently affecting the back, knees, and shoulders.
- Lacerations, fractures, and multiple injuries: Less frequent but still serious.
Certain body parts suffered more injuries than others. Fingers, knees, lower backs, and shoulders were the most commonly affected areas. Addressing these risks through better ergonomics, proper equipment, and smart work processes can help keep employees injury-free.
What impact do retail work injuries have?
Retail worker injuries don’t just take a physical toll; they impact workers emotionally, mentally, and financially. Many injured employees struggle with stress, isolation, and financial strain. Being out of work for weeks or months can put significant pressure on an employee and their family. Some injuries result in long-term discomfort, which makes it difficult to return to work at full capacity. Additionally, severe injuries may require extended treatment, increasing the risk of medication reliance.
Hurt at work? Get help from an experienced California workers' comp lawyer
If you were injured while working in a retail store or warehouse in Southern California, you’re likely dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what comes next. Workers’ compensation should provide the support you need, but too often, injured employees face claim denials, delayed benefits, or pressure to return to work too soon. That's why Robert A. McLaughlin, APC, stands up for injured retail workers so they receive the medical care and financial compensation they deserve.
Our law firm handles everything, whether filing your initial claim or appealing a denial. We'll push back against unfair insurance tactics and work tirelessly to help you get the benefits you need. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your bills while recovering from a workplace injury. That’s why we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis.
There's no obligation to hire us, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case. To get started, contact us today for a free, confidential case consultation. You can also call our law offices in San Diego, Chula Vista, and Temecula.
"I want to thank the office of Robert A. Mclaughlin for all his support in successfully resolving my injury case." - J.C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐