NIOSH guide aims to prevent MSDs among retail workers

Washington – NIOSH has released a publication intended to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among grocery store employees and other retail workers.

The illustrated guide, released Nov. 25, offers specific advice about how grocery store workers can reduce strains and sprains when moving products from a delivery truck to inside the store. Tips include using conveyor belts, handcarts and pallet stacker devices to reduce manual lifting and carrying.

Nearly one-third of all occupational injuries that result in time away from work are due to musculoskeletal injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Laborers, stock movers and material movers experience the highest number of these injuries.

“Data has shown us that not only do musculoskeletal injuries result in time away from work across all industry sectors, but data shows that they affect workers in the wholesale and retail trade at a higher rate,” NIOSH Director John Howard said in a press release. “This new resource is an invaluable tool for workers in this industry to help decrease injuries and increase productivity.”

Although the guide focuses on the grocery store industry, NIOSH stated that it can be adapted to other workplaces, particularly warehouses and storage facilities.