5 ways you can get hurt working at a grocery store

Working in a grocery store may seem like a relatively simple and harmless job. However, there are plenty of ways you can get hurt working in a supermarket, the job is more physically demanding and risky than you may realize. You may suffer an injury or illness if you work in an unsafe environment.

If you experience a grocery store accident, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim. Here are some circumstances that may result in you getting hurt at your grocery store.

1. Moving items and stocking shelves

Your job may require you to move goods and replenish merchandise. If you lift heavy boxes, you may suffer back or shoulder injuries. You are also at risk of heavy items falling on you from high shelves, either on the main floor or in the warehouse area.

2. Preparing food

Sometimes, you may work in the deli, bakery or food service section of the marketplace. This exposes you to hot surfaces, hot oils and sharp knives. Food preparation may lead to burns, cuts or amputations.

3. Slipping, tripping or falling

Grocery stores are notorious for having slippery floors because of:

• Spilled drinks
• Rain tracked in from outside
• Mopping

There may also be boxes or debris in aisles that cause you to trip. You are also at risk of falling from heights if you use ladders to stock items or reorganize shelves.

4. Retrieving shopping carts

You may need to collect shopping carts from the parking lot on a regular basis. If a driver does not see you, he or she may crash into you. As a pedestrian, you may suffer serious injuries even if the car is moving at a slow speed.

5. Repetitive motions

Your job duties may include:

• Scanning items
• Stocking shelves
• Bagging groceries

While these tasks may seem simple, they can lead to repetitive stress injuries over time.

Category:

• WORKERS' COMPENSATION