Overview of the retail sector: workplace accidents and occupational diseases

Large-scale retail is one of France's biggest employers. With more than 500 000 employees in hypermarkets and supermarkets, this sector is also one of the most affected by the risks of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Indeed, statistics relating to sick leave due to these accidents are constantly increasing. According to Ameli, more than 29 000 accidents were recorded in 2012 (representing approximately 1.7 million working days lost), compared with more than 33 000 in 2016 (representing approximately 2.7 million working days lost). These alarming figures are the result of the wide range of risks faced by employees in large-scale retail.

The main causes of workplace accidents and occupational diseases

Jobs in the large-scale retail sector are varied and versatile. Butchers, fishmongers, bakers, shelf stackers, handling staff and checkout staff: every role faces numerous risks :

• Slips and falls on the same level due to wet or uneven surfaces, or falls from ladders when handling goods at height.
• Handling heavy equipment that can cause fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders and pain.
• Postural constraints or repetitive movements.
• Frequent movement that can increase the risk of falls.
• Cuts or injuries related to the use of unsafe tools.

Same-level falls and slips are common in large-scale retail. As store staff move around very frequently, the risk of falling is increased, especially in frozen food sections or fish departments where floors may be wet, or in fresh fruit and vegetable sections when goods fall onto the floor.

Among occupational diseases, musculoskeletal disorders are the most common in this sector. Standing for most of their working time is the cause of these health problems for employees. But that is not all. Between shelf staff who have to squat or work at height to restock shelves with goods that are sometimes heavy or bulky and therefore difficult to handle, and checkout staff who perform repetitive movements every day, the spine and all muscles and joints are constantly put under strain. These actions also increase employee fatigue, which can lead to loss of concentration and, in turn, increase the likelihood of suffering an accident.

The use of unsafe tools, or tools whose handling requires specific training, can also result in minor to serious injuries. Cutting tools used to unpack goods, for example, are not always suited to daily, repeated use. As large-scale retail is a sector with high staff turnover, and offers all types of student, seasonal or short-term contracts, staff are often young and inexperienced, making them more readily exposed to these various hazards.

How can workplace accident risks be reduced in the large-scale retail sector ?

In the face of these hazards, the safety of staff and company equipment is of the utmost importance. Many risks can be easily avoided by adopting simple, appropriate measures :

• Workplace layout and maintenance: a safe workspace is a clean workspace designed to improve employees' working conditions. A clean, dry floor significantly reduces the risks of slips and same-level falls, common causes of workplace accidents. Lower, more accessible shelves reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
• Suitable equipment provided to employees: suitable equipment can not only reduce the risk of injury, but also risks related to fatigue. In addition to tools, equipment also includes staff workwear. If some tasks associated with a role are carried out in a cold environment, as may be the case for fishmongers or butchers, the uniform must provide good thermal protection. Likewise, slip-resistant shoes, such as those developed by Shoes For Crews, help prevent slips when moving across wet surfaces.

Why prioritise workplace safety?

Workplace accidents must be avoided at all costs for the wellbeing of workers and their families : they can result in minor to serious injuries, or even fatal injuries in the worst cases. This is why working conditions must guarantee the greatest possible safety.

Furthermore, additional costs, whether direct or indirect, are among the consequences to avoid. A workplace accident or occupational disease can lead to civil liability claims, possible legal proceedings, as well as damaged equipment. Not to mention the loss of productivity resulting from an inability to work. According to Health Insurance, there are nearly sixty days of sick leave for each workplace accident and up to 246 days of leave for each occupational disease. This is why workplace safety concerns all parties : employees, their families and, above all, the company, which also protects itself by protecting its employees. 

As the health of your employees has been at the heart of our concerns since 1984, we invite you to contact our team of Shoes For Crews experts, who will help you create a programme that meets the needs of your establishment and establish a safety culture within it.