As retailers onboard thousands of employees for the holiday shopping rush, a new report contains this timely reminder: 38% of retail worker injuries happen within their first year on the job. With store operators expected to hire between 400,000 and 500,000 holiday workers this year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), that finding highlights the importance of proactive safety training to protect employees and minimize workplace risks, its sponsor says.
“The holiday season is a critical time for retailers, but it also highlights the safety risks associated with onboarding new workers,” said Dan Grant, Director of Safety Services at Sentry, a workers’ compensation insurer and issuer the 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report. “Short-term hires often lack the job-specific training and support needed to prevent injuries. Our data is clear: prioritizing ongoing safety mentorship from day one can help reduce injuries across the industry.”
The report sheds light on these three key injury patterns:
- Top injuries: Strains and contusions accounted for nearly 50% of all injuries, followed by lacerations and sprains.
- Lost-time impact: Injuries resulting in missed work led to an average of 70 lost workdays.
- At-risk workers: Workers under age 30 experienced the highest injury rates, accounting for nearly one-third of injuries of all cases.
“Retail workers face constant physical demands, from stocking shelves to lifting heavy items in the stockroom or warehouse,” said Grant. “Behind the scenes, employees are constantly lifting, bending and reaching to keep up with customer needs. These repetitive tasks can lead to significant injuries. Our goal is to raise awareness of these risks and promote safer working alternatives for all employees while supporting and maintaining critical production goals.”
Click here for more from the Sentry report.
