Work related injuries in Supermarkets

Supermarkets are an integral part of our day to day lives and are present in all major towns and cities.  Thousands of people work in supermarkets doing a wide range of jobs in order to ensure the smooth running of the store. These jobs include shelf stacking, warehouse work, cleaning, baking, working on the cheese and fish counters, working in the pharmacy and working as a checkout assistant.

The types of work undertaken in supermarkets are very varied and therefore the potential hazards are varied.

Some of the jobs, like working as a checkout assistant, seem relatively risk-free compared to working on a building site or down a mine. But those who work on checkouts are particularly vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries in their wrists, elbows and shoulders, and may also suffer neck or back injuries if their working area is not well set up. Those who are out on the floor of supermarkets, such as shelf stackers, cleaners and supervisors, may be at risk of trip or slip accidents if obstacles are left in the way or spills are not clearly marked.

Working in specific areas in the store, such as in the bakery or on the cheese counter, also puts employees at risk of being involved in a supermarket accident. These workers may be exposed to extremely sharp knives and machinery, and there have been numerous accidents involving the amputation or mutilation of employees’ limbs.

If you have had a accident whilst working in a supermarket and you feel that your employer may be to blame you may be able to make a personal injury claim.  You should first seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer.