Workers’ Compensation Insurance for the Retail Industry
Although thought of as a low risk industry, employees within the retail sector experience a proportionally higher number of injury/illnesses and sustain a higher rate of overexertion related disabling disorders when compared to private industry in general, according to an analysis performed by the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH). Retail store owners need workers’ compensation insurance with the right coverage to protect not just their employees, but the business itself.
Key Details About Workers’ Compensation for Retail Businesses
If you have one or more employees, you probably need workers’ compensation insurance – most states require it. Without it, you may be held personally liable for the cost of your employees’ medical care for a work-related injury or illness and even their wages while they’re recovering. Not to mention, some states have laws with fines for failing to purchase coverage.
Workers’ comp for your retail business provides benefits to your employees for work-related injuries or illnesses. And depending on the state you do business in, it could include medical care, wages from lost work time, rehab, disability benefits and survivor or death benefits. And, if one of your workers gets hurt on the job and their family decides to sue you, workers’ comp can help you with related legal fees and more.
Workplace Injuries in the Retail Sector
Retail workers stand for extended periods. During peak sales periods, like the Christmas season, they may work long hours with little time off. Their work also requires them to move merchandise, which can involve reaching, stretching and bending. It’s not hard to see how back strains, torn muscles, sprains and broken bones can occur.
Statistics show that these are the most common types of injuries experienced by retail workers:
- Overexertion and musculoskeletal injuries
- Fractures and bruises
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Cuts
Preventing Workplace Injuries in Your Retail Store
Prevention is always the best medicine, but let’s face it, accidents to happen. Retail owners should have systems in place to help educate and train employees to prevent workplace injuries. By setting up the right procedures and keeping retail employees informed and up to date on the proper procedures to follow and hazards to avoid, employers can greatly reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Below is a list of important steps you should take to make your retail store a safer environment for your employees:
- Pay attention to frequently occurring accidents, and put policies in place to keep them at bay and prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
- Involve employees in the development of health and safety policies and procedures. Listen and encourage them to voice their concerns.
- Prevent injuries in the workplace by providing sufficient safety training to all employees. Make sure the training is even more thorough for those employees whose jobs require them to use power equipment or hazardous chemicals and other substances.
- Visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website for resources that can help make your workplace safer.
- Regularly correct employees who fail to follow safety and health procedures.
As you continue your search, remember that no two policies are alike. If you need a policy customized for your specific line of business, you can trust our retail business insurance experts to help you determine which coverages an appropriate business insurance policy might include. Call 855-780-1783 for a workers’ compensation quote for your retail business, or submit a quote request today.
