Which retail and wholesale workers are most at risk of injury?

Stevens Point, WI — In the retail and wholesale industry, employees in their first year on the job account for more than a third of all work-related injuries, a recent analysis shows.

For its 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report, insurance provider Sentry reviewed more than 22,000 injury claims to gain a better understanding of the underlying risks within the industry. The report notes that the industry is characterized by high turnover and seasonal hiring, making it difficult to maintain a consistently trained team.

Findings show that 38% of the injuries involved workers, regardless of age, in their first year at a retail or wholesale company. Workers with one to five years of experience made up 28% of the injuries.

Other findings:

• On average, employees missed 70 days of work because of an injury.
• 63% of the injuries occurred among workers younger than 30 and older than 50.
• Top injury causes: strain by lifting (11%), struck by falling/flying object (8%) and slips from the same level (7%).
• Strain (27%) was the most common injury type, followed by contusion (18%) and laceration (15%).
• Most common body parts injured: fingers (11%), multiple (11%) and lower back (10%).

Worker well-being can also be affected, as those injured can experience chronic pain, dependence on pain medication and mental/social/emotional challenges.

Dan Grant, director of corporate safety services at Sentry, says in the report that ongoing training is a valuable tool in preventing injuries.

“Prevention requires consistent monitoring, evaluation and support,” he said. “We’ve seen success when retailers and warehouses adopt a trusted ‘coach’ or mentor system to help new workers. Coaches not only help new employees learn their roles, but also ensure tasks are performed safety.”