If you work in a grocery store, you may be dreading the holiday rush. As the crowds visit your store to purchase turkey and eggnog, you may experience a lot of stress and frustration. Working in a busy and rushed environment is hardly enjoyable. In fact, it can be dangerous. Did you know retail workers had a higher rate of injury in 2016 than construction workers?
It is always crucial to be safe as a grocery store employee, but you must exercise extra caution during the holidays. You may suffer from a supermarket accident as you work harder for longer hours. Watch out for these hazards at your marketplace this holiday season.
1. Repetitious actions
Whether you are a bagger, cashier, food preparer or stocker, you perform various repetitive motions throughout the day. Common repetitive stress injuries include the following:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Trigger finger
- Tennis elbow
Even simple actions such as scanning items or putting food inside bags can wear down your body. This is especially likely if you work longer shifts or without rest breaks. Make sure your boss does not overwork you during the holidays.
2. Lifting heavy objects
Your supermarket job may require you to lift heavy things. You may lift goods when storing products in the warehouse or stocking shelves. This may cause you to overexert yourself and suffer an injury. Common complications of lifting heavy objects include back sprains, wrist injuries, hernias and muscle strains.
Get help from another worker before you try to lift anything too heavy. You must take special care of yourself during the holiday rush.
3. Slips, trips and falls
Some fall dangers in grocery stores include the following:
- Spilled drinks and food
- Boxes in aisles
- Rain in parking lots and entryways
- Unstable stepladders
If you slip, trip or fall from heights, you can suffer a wide range of injuries, from minor sprains to traumatic brain injuries.
