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Top hazards in grocery stores: Protect your workplace and team with these safety resources

Published Date
Author Jessica Bowes

Grocery worker holding a basket of fruits and vegetables at the supermarket while smiling.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit occupational health and safety association committed to ensuring every worker goes home healthy and safe at the end of the day. As your dedicated health and safety association for the grocery industry, we are here to help with resources and support.

The grocery industry and partners are working with WSPS to develop solutions that address the top risks in this sector. In a recent study, this group identified the top 10 risks in the grocery industry. Find out what these risks are and how you can protect your business with these resources below.

Top 10 risks in grocery stores: Resources and training

Click on a hazard to learn more and access health and safety resources and training.

  1. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from handling products
  2. Slips and trips
  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 (working in the back room or receiving area)
  7. Falls from ladders (A-frame, extension, or greater than 3 steps)
  8. Workplace violence (assault, robbery)
  9. Slips or falls from continuous ice buildup from freezers
  10. Lacerations from hand tools (knives, box cutters, etc.)

Have health and safety questions? We're here to help. Contact us at 1-877-494-9777 or fill out this form and a member of our team will contact you soon.

Musculoskeletal disorders 

Grocery clerk working at the supermarket restocking the shelves.

From receiving to checkout, grocery store workers handle products. Manual material handling involves moving materials and goods by carrying, holding, lifting, and stooping. Factors like repetitive motion, incorrect lifting techniques, fatigue, rushing, and awkward postures can increase the risk of developing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are aches and pains affecting the muscles, tendons, and nerves, and make up almost half of all compensation claims in Ontario. Common MSDs include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. Effective controls for manual material handling can eliminate or reduce these hazards, keeping workers safe and boosting your store's productivity.

Resources

Training and Consulting

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Slips, trips and falls

While they may seem harmless, slips, trips and falls are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries. They can happen in any workplace and may cause injuries like sprains, bruises, broken bones, and concussions.

Having a well-designed workplace and effective safety plans, policies, and programs is important to keep workers safe. Good housekeeping, like cleaning up spills quickly and keeping walkways clear, can help reduce the risk. In walk-in freezers, ice, frost, and condensation can make floors slippery, increasing the risk of falls. Keeping these areas clean and dry by removing ice and using squeegees to direct water into drains is essential. Involving internal teams such as workers and safety committees involved in these safety plans and programs can help ensure they are followed and maintained to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Resources

Training 

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Lacerations

Supermarket worker using a slicer at delicatessen section.

Laceration hazards are a significant concern for workers using cutting equipment and sharp tools like slicers and knives. Improper handling, poor maintenance, and lack of training can lead to severe cuts and injuries. For example, slicers can cause deep cuts if fingers or hands touch the blade, and knives can slip and cause accidental cuts if not used properly.

To reduce these risks, it's important to follow safety protocols. Wearing protective gloves can help prevent cuts, and keeping equipment well-maintained can avoid malfunctions. Training on properly using sharp tools and cutting equipment is also essential to keep workers safe.

Resources

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Mental Health - Workplace Stress, Violence and Harassment

Stressed grocery worker with hands on their head.

Poor mental health at work can cause physical symptoms like headaches and psychological issues like depression, fatigue, and anxiety. This can lead to more sick days, trouble concentrating, more accidents, and lower productivity. 

A major threat to grocery employees' mental and physical health is violence and harassment.  The busy and unpredictable nature of grocery stores can lead to harassment and violence, causing mental stress for workers. Using secure entry systems, surveillance cameras, and well-lit areas can also help prevent violence and harassment.

Creating a healthy and safe workplace with a positive culture, safe environment, employee well-being, psychological safety, and community involvement shows a commitment to workers' overall well-being. This reduces risks and costs and strengthens your business' competitive advantage.

Resources 

Training and Consulting

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Struck By Products

Grocery store worker unloading a trailer of products.

Being struck by objects is a major hazard for workers unloading trailers and stocking shelves. This happens when items aren't properly secured or heavy objects are stacked unsafely. During unloading, boxes can shift and fall, causing injuries like bruises, fractures, or concussions. The movement of trailers can make items unstable, increasing the risk when the trailer is opened. Similarly, when stocking shelves, improperly placed items can fall and pose a risk to employees. Heavy or awkwardly shaped items are especially hazardous if not stored correctly.

To reduce these risks, follow proper loading and unloading procedures, use equipment like pallet jacks, and ensure items are securely stacked and stored.

Resources

Training and Consulting

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