The hidden cost of injury: Why WSPS’ risk assessment results should be on your radar
When a grocery worker is sidelined by injury, the impact is felt throughout the store, from stocking shelves to customer service. In Ontario’s grocery sector alone, preventable injuries account for more than 1,000 lost-time injury claims annually. Injuries impact worker wellbeing, workforce stability, business reputation, and the customer experience.
Unveiling the Top Risks and Root Causes
An integrated risk assessment facilitated by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) brought together frontline staff, supervisors, and industry leaders to pinpoint the ten most pressing health and safety risks in grocery retail. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from manually handling product, including repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and awkward postures, remain the number one injury, responsible for almost half of compensation claims in Ontario. Other leading risks include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Lacerations from equipment and hand tools
- Workplace stress causing mental health harm
- Harassment and violence
MSDs: The Top Risk from Manual Handling
Grocery workers face a unique set of physical demands. Repetitive lifting, twisting and carrying, are the top contributors to MSDs. As Melissa Morin, Specialized Consultant with WSPS and workshop facilitator, explains: “Many tasks in both grocery and convenience stores can expose workers to these injuries. When left untreated, MSDs can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.”
MSDs are preventable. Key contributing factors to MSDs are:
- Inadequate or outdated safety training
- Poor workstation design and layout
- Insufficient supervision
- Inadequate staffing levels
Employers can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of MSDs, such as ergonomic improvements, regular safety refreshers, and equipping supervisors to monitor and support their teams.
“I don’t think many grocery store workers have a good understanding of how MSDs could negatively impact their lives in the future, particularly the younger workers,” noted Brittany Marchese, a worker representative from Sobeys. “We are taught proper lifting techniques, but we are not necessarily aware of the severity of the consequences if those techniques are not followed.”
“When it comes to MSDs, I believe that we can do a better job of bringing ongoing awareness to the hazards and going beyond the initial training employees receive when they are first onboarded,” added Kathleen Couto, Sobeys’ management representative.
Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Risks
Three of the top ten risks are directly tied to mental health: workplace stress, harassment, and violence. “Since grocery workers deal directly with the public, it brings in additional factors that can potentially expose workers to psychosocial risks. It’s key to establish a procedure for dealing with difficult or potentially dangerous customers and train all workers on what to do,” explains Melissa Morin. For employers, this means:
- Develop and communicate clear protocols
- Maintain accessible reporting channels
- Provide training focused on mental wellness and conflict de-escalation.
Direct Impact on Profitability & Reputation
Unaddressed injuries, including MSDs, cost retailers more than compensation. They erode team morale, increase absenteeism, and threaten your brand’s reputation. Marc Yuill, Director of Occupational Health & Safety at Farm Boy, shared, “It’s important for us to stop and observe how our teams are doing certain tasks and, together, look for better ways to do them that reduce the risk of developing an MSD.”
Take the Next Step
Grocery staff deserve a workplace free from preventable harm. Prioritizing safety leads to healthier teams, stronger stores and loyal customers.
Learn more about the top risks with insights from your peers: The Hidden Risk: How Poor Training Causes Injuries in Ontario Grocery Stores
Take action with practical tools to address and reduce the risks: Top hazards in grocery stores: Protect your workplace and team with these safety resources