The diverse employers of the retail sector in Nova Scotia represent many different types of workplaces, from small locally owned establishments to major grocery change to large, big-box stores. The industry employs the second largest number of workers in the province.
Typically more young workers are injured in the retail industry as it is usually their first job.
The following workplace hazards are common in the retail industry:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Manual materials handling
- Electrical hazards
- Workplace violence
- Fire hazards
- Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains/strains)
- Psychological hazards
Use the OH&S Risk Mapping Tool for injury prevention to identify and mitigate these risks.
In general, people in this sector get hurt while moving bags, boxes, and other materials, especially heavier ones, using tools and equipment like pallet jacks and box cutters and slipping and falling, frequently brought on by spills or other slick surfaces.
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