The retail sector is one of the biggest industries in the U.S. Even though there aren’t as many “brick and mortar” stores as there used to be, those that are still around are often very large. Distribution centers and warehouses also employ numerous people. Many people think of retail work as relatively safe, but there are countless hazards on the job.
Those who work in retail are vulnerable to falling objects and violence on the part of those trying to steal from a business. They are also at risk of same-level falls, which are a hazard in almost any industry. Retail workers rushing to respond to a customer request or cleaning at the end of a shift could slip and end up seriously injured as a result.
Although a same-level fall may not seem as serious as a fall from a significant elevation, it can be a serious enough incident to interfere with a retail worker’s employment. What types of injuries are possible in a same-level fall?
1. Broken bones
Any attempt to brace for impact could put someone at risk of a fracture. People may break bones in their arms or their collarbones, for example, when they fall.
Older individuals and those who strike objects when they fall could be at risk of fracturing bones in their legs, as well as hip or rib fractures. Those injuries could leave a retail worker unable to perform job functions for weeks or longer until they heal.
2. Dislocated shoulders
When people try to grab something to stop their fall or slow themselves by catching their weight with their arms, the force of their fall could move their shoulder out of alignment.
A dislocated shoulder is painful and likely to limit the functional use of the affected arm for weeks. They may experience inflammation and pain that limit their ability to lift and stock merchandise.
3. Brain injuries
If a person cannot slow their fall after they slip while working, they could hit their head on the floor or other objects nearby. Blunt-force trauma to the head can cause bleeding or swelling inside the skull. With nowhere to go, the tissue of the brain can end up seriously damaged by the growing intracranial pressure. Brain injuries, especially if not promptly treated, can lead to permanent structural changes to the brain and even death.
Injured retail workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Disability pay and medical coverage can both be valuable for retail employees who need medical care or time away from work to heal after a same-level fall on the job. Those who face a denial of their workers’ comp application may benefit from experienced legal guidance.