For Retail Workers, Holidays Increase Risk Of On The Job Injuries
The month of December is one of the busiest times of the year for retail workers. The holidays bring out plenty of shoppers, resulting in heavier schedules, longer hours, and more grueling tasks for those working in stores. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk for on the job accidents and injuries for retail workers. If you are in the retail industry, it is important to be aware of the dangers and the actions you need to take to protect yourself.
Holiday Hazards Among Retail Workers
Beginning at Thanksgiving and extending clear through January, holiday crowds keep retail workers on their feet. Handling the large numbers of customers and making sure store shelves are constantly stocked places heavy demands on these workers, making accidents more likely to happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), retail workers need to take extra precautions to protect themselves. Problems they are likely to face at this time of year include:
Stress and fatigue. Working longer than usual hours can make you more tired in general, while heavier schedules mean less downtime for resting. Plus, the demands of your own home or family are likely to only add to the stress and exhaustion you may be feeling. In addition to making accidents more likely, this combination can also cause chronic health conditions to flare up.
Heavy lifting and overuse. With the demands of constantly restocking shelves, muscle strains and sprains are more common. Make sure you use proper lifting techniques and watch out for repetitive stress injuries while performing tasks such as ticketing or ringing up customers on cash registers.
Slips, trips, and falls. Crowded stores and debris in aisles can make slip, trip, and fall accidents more common. Use extra caution when climbing ladders or working at heights, and watch out for falling objects when stocking shelves.
Altercations with customers. Unfortunately, tempers can flare over the holiday season. Getting pushed, having objects thrown at them, and other types of physical assaults pose a very real threat for retail workers at this time of year.
Protecting Yourself On The Job
To protect yourself on the job over the holiday season, it is important to get plenty of rest, to practice general safety precautions, and to notify your manager of any problems as soon as they occur. If accidents or injuries do happen, report the incident immediately so that an accident report can be filed and you can get medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor. Not doing so could jeopardize your rights to important benefits.
Workers’ Compensation benefits act as a form of insurance for both full and part-time workers in South Carolina and can provide the following:
Coverage of medical costs resulting from your injuries
Reimbursement for lost wages you suffer
Compensation for any temporary or permanent disabilities you experience as a result
Contact Our Aiken Workers’ Compensation Attorney
For retail workers, holidays increase the risk of on the job injuries. However, getting workers’ compensation benefits plays a key role in recovering from these injuries. At the Surasky Law Firm, LLC, we help you get the benefits you deserve. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken workers’ compensation attorney today.
