When people think of dangerous jobs, retail work is usually not on the list. However, retail workers represent a significant number of hourly and salaried employees working in California. They often have to deal with the public and may also operate machinery or perform functions like restocking that put them at risk on the job. Part of staying safe at work is the ability to recognize risk factors period for retail workers in California, what is the biggest risk on the job?
Other people are the leading cause of fatal retail workplace incidents
Many retail workers have horror stories about customers who become aggressive or even threatening when they don’t get their way. It turns out that those angry customers can be more of a risk than most every other concern on the job combined.
According to data from the California Department of Industrial Relations, violence from other humans or animals was the leading cause of retail worker fatalities in 2019. Of the 30 reported deaths on the job, 18 involved violence. Transportation issues and exposure to dangerous chemicals or environments tied for the second leading cause of death with three deaths falling in each category.
Injured workers and surviving family members have protection under the law
When someone suffers a serious injury or dies because of their work, workers’ compensation insurance protects them and the people who depend on them.
Injured workers can rely on workers’ compensation for medical care and disability benefits that replace a portion of their wages. After workplace trauma, a workers’ medical needs might include both physical care and psychological treatment to address the trauma of an assault on the job. If workplace violence claims someone’s life, their family members have the right to survival benefits.
Handling a workers’ compensation claim while dealing with a loss or a recent trauma is a stress most people don’t need. Getting legal help with the process not only lets you focus on your recovery but also makes it easier for you to avoid mistakes.