Health & Safety for the Retail Industry
The retail sector is the second-largest in Canada and has the third-highest number of workplace incidents with lost-time claims.
With over 2.1 million workers, the sector is a key driver of Canada’s job market growth. Unfortunately, the majority of incidents stem from the most common hazards in retail:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Stress-related and mental health leaves
- Overexertion and overextension injuries
Top five most common retail industry hazards
Slips, trips, and falls
Common in retail due to wet floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces.
Overexertion injuries
Caused by excessive physical effort, often from lifting or handling materials improperly.
Psychosocial hazards
High-pressure environments can lead to stress, affecting both employees and customer interactions.
Violence and harassment
Retail workers face higher rates of violence and harassment than workers in other sectors, which puts staff and customers at risk.
Ergonomic hazards
Poor posture, standing for long periods, and repetitive motions can cause musculoskeletal disorders.
Retail industry accident statistics
Over 20,000 claims every year
There were over 23,000 accepted claims with lost work time in 2022, with 21 fatalities.
Less injuries reported each year
The retail sector has a 3 percent reduction in injury rates from 2021 to 2022 in Canada.
Positive safety trend
According to the WSIB, retail shows a slightly positive safety trend at 1.1 percent
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Be proactive—prevent workplace injuries!
Proactive safety starts with the hierarchy of controls. If hazards can’t be eliminated, engineering controls are the first level of protection. If those aren’t practical, utilize administrative controls like training, SOPs, and incident reporting. Finally, while PPE is essential, it provides the lowest level of protection, and should be used alongside other higher-level controls.
Clear walkways and use slip-resistant flooring
Keeping areas clear of obstacles and cleaning spills immediately minimizes risks of falling. Installing slip-resistant flooring reduces the chances of slipping, especially in areas prone to wetness.
Stress management programs
Implementing programs that include stress-relief activities, counselling, and training on conflict resolution helps employees manage stress and enhances customer interactions.
Surveillance systems and security training
Installing CCTV cameras and hiring security personnel deter theft and violence. Training employees in recognizing suspicious behaviour and handling conflicts can de-escalate potential threats.
Ergonomic assessments and equipment
Training workers on correct lifting methods, providing ergonomic assessments, adjustable chairs and workstations, and mechanical aids help minimize repetitive strain injuries.
Connect with one of our health and safety experts today
With innovative technology, expert guidance, immersive online training, incident reporting tools, and risk assessment software, our award-winning Health & Safety software and support help retail businesses across Canada build stronger, more effective safety programs.
