Retailers need to focus on conducting regular training to help frontline and new-hire employees minimize risks in the workplace, especially with the upcoming holiday. That’s according to a study recently released by Sentry Insurance, one of the largest mutual insurance groups in the US.

Sentry’s 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report showed that workers under the age of 30 years experienced the highest injury rates, representing about one-third of injuries of all cases. Still, the study found that 38% of retail worker injuries happen during the employee’s first year on the job, regardless of age.

New hires are often unfamiliar with the company’s safety protocols or its best practices and the learning curve could be steep.

“Retail workers face constant physical demands, from stocking shelves to lifting heavy items in the stockroom or warehouse,” said Dan Grant, Sentry’s director of safety services. “Short-term hires often lack the job-specific training and support needed to prevent injuries.”

The data then becomes increasingly important as retailers and wholesale businesses ramp up their headcount ahead of the upcoming holiday shopping rush marked by extended store hours, busy warehouses and very crowded malls.

Injured employees not only suffer from the physical harm but also emotional ones – chronic pain, emotional distress and financial uncertainty are among the problems that could put a heavier toll on workers, delaying their recovering.

“Workplace injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s life,” said Jean Feldman, Sentry’s director of managed care. “It affects their physical health, their emotional well-being and their financial security.”

In fact, 20% of claims involving significant behavioral health challenges are from the retail and wholesale sector, Sentry said, citing a report.

And concurrent with the physical harm the injured employee experiences, the business is also negatively affected.

Sentry said that injuries resulting in missed workdays lead to an average of 70 days lost per employee. This could not only impact productivity, but also increase temporary hiring costs and even potentially tarnish the business’ reputation.

So what can be done?

Grant said that instead of conducting a one-and-done safety training, as is usually the case, retailers and wholesale businesses should conduct routine safety training and continuously monitor their safety protocols and best practices. Accident prevention, he said, requires consistent monitoring, evaluation and support.

Grant also said that retailers and warehouses that adopt a mentor system help new workers efficiently adapt to their workplaces. Coaches not only help new employees learn their roles but also ensure that tasks are done as safely as possible.

“Floor leaders play a key role, acting as messengers, observers and enforcers of safety expectations,” Grant said.

Employers should also provide a solid support system to the injured employee to help alleviate the anxiety that they are feeling and to foster trust between the parties.

Feldman said that employers can significantly improve the injured employee’s emotional status by staying engaged and providing support wherever necessary. Regular check-ins, she said, show the employee that they are valued and missed, helping reduce their anxiety.

“Personalizing communication and support can make a world of difference in their recovery journey,” Feldman said.