Top Risks in the Grocery Retail Sector and Root Cause Analysis

The retail grocery industry poses a substantial workplace injury risk for employees in their day-to-day duties. The potential for injury from a wide range of hazards exists in virtually every area of grocery store operations, regardless of the store’s size.

WSPS recently engaged workers, supervisors and employers on the grocery frontline to harness their knowledge and expertise in the identification of the top health and safety risks facing grocery store workers.

The industry is working collaboratively with WSPS to develop proactive strategies, resources and solutions to mitigate the risks and minimize injuries.

Top 10 Health & Safety Risks in the Grocery Retail Sector

1. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from handling product (focus of Root Cause Analysis)
2. Slip, trip (General)
3. Lacerations from equipment (deli slicer, band saw, bread slicer, etc.)
4. Workplace stress leading to mental health harm
5. Workplace harassment
6. Struck by products (back room, receiving)
7. Fall from ladder (A-frame, extension, >3 steps)
8. Workplace violence (assault, robbery)
9. Slip, fall from continuous ice buildup from freezers
10. Lacerations from hand tools (knives, box cutters, shears, etc.)

Tools and Resources to Help Manage Risks in the Grocery Sector

Grocery workers, supervisors, and employers are working collaboratively with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services to develop practical solutions that address the leading health and safety risks in the sector.

A Root Cause Analysis identified the primary causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from manually handling product, a top risk in the sector, and recommends effective controls to help keep workers safe.

Toolkit | Grocery Retail Sector Common Hazards and Solutions – Identify and control the top ten health and safety risks faced by grocery store workers with practical tools and resources designed to help implement effective solutions.

Toolkit | Grocery Retail Sector Root Cause Analysis MSDs from Manual Material Handling – Discover root causes of musculoskeletal disorders from manually handling product and access best practices to reduce injury risk and improve ergonomic safety.