Although seemingly much less dangerous than other professions or industries, retail workers face their fair share of hazards on the job. Retail can be very labor-intensive, exposing workers to the risk of injury. Fortunately, retail workers who are hurt at work are entitled to seek workers’ compensation to help recover from their injuries.
Frequent Hazards Retail Workers Face
Some of the most common hazards faced by retail workers on the job include:
- Slipping or tripping hazards, such as wet or icy pavement outside the store, spilled liquids or foods, uneven flooring surfaces, wires or cords strewn across walkways, or objects or debris left in walking paths
- Overexertion from having to lift heavy objects
- Using box cutters or other sharp objects
- Repetitive stress on the body caused by making the same motions over and over again during the workday
- Workplace violence, including unruly customers or robbers seeking to steal money or merchandise from the store
Common Retail Worker Injuries
Injuries that retail workers may suffer on the job include:
- Soft tissue injuries, including ligament sprains and tears or muscle/tendon strains and tears such as rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, often caused by repetitive stresses, overexertion, or falls
- Herniated disc injuries and sciatica
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Burns
Many work injuries suffered by retail workers develop gradually over time due to overuse and repetitive stress. Retail workers should not ignore any of the signs or symptoms of physical injury, such as pain, numbness or tingling, soreness, swelling, or weakness, as continuing to put strain on an injury will only cause further damage.
Avoiding Injuries at Work
Many work injuries suffered by retail workers can be avoided by having a safe working environment. Tips for helping avoid injuries in retail work include:
- Scheduling regular breaks
- Training workers on proper lifting and carrying techniques, and providing equipment to assist with carrying large or heavy objects
- Encouraging workers to maintain a slower pace of work to avoid overexertion or repetitive stress/strain
- Keeping a clean and tidy workplace to avoid falls and other accidents
- Providing personal protective equipment when workers use potentially hazardous tools or equipment, such as sharp objects or heating elements
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Retail Workers
Retail workers who are hurt on the job in New Jersey may be entitled to file a claim with their employer to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Benefits available under the NJ workers’ comp system include:
- Medical benefits, which pay for all reasonable, medically-necessary treatment and rehabilitation of a work injury, including pain management care
- Temporary disability benefits that provide partial reimbursement of a worker’s average weekly wages when they cannot work due to a work injury
- Permanent partial disability benefits that provide financial payments to a worker who suffers a permanent impairment of a body part or bodily function, with payments based on the type and severity of impairment
- Permanent total disability benefits that continue paying partial wage replacement so long as a worker remains unable to return to the workforce
Contact a Freehold Workers’ Comp Lawyer to Discuss Your Workplace Injury Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured due to a workplace accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive workers’ comp attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the New Jersey Workers Compensation Lawyer of JFM Law represent clients injured in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Mercer County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (934) 200-5372 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 45 Court St., #201, Freehold, NJ 07728, as well as offices in Toms River and New Brunswick.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.