Checkout - Workers' Compensation

In 2020, retail workers accounted for 5,321 of the allowed lost-time injury claims at the WSIB. In the same year, retail workers accounted for four fatality claims allowed by the WSIB.

Among the more common injuries in retail – and across most sectors of the workforce – are soft tissue injuries: sprains, strains, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), also called repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).

As with all injuries, it's important to report them when they happen or as soon as you notice pain.

Your experience of pain on the job might be corrected through ergonomics, rotating tasks, or other solutions. But, if you don't report it, it can't be addressed.

Many workers see soft tissue injuries as minor, at least to begin with; many work through the pain and assume the injury will heal. But soft tissue injuries don't always reveal themselves immediately. A gradual onset of pain that goes ignored, can make it difficult to connect that pain with a work task for a WSIB claim.

Some preventative measures already exist for retail workers such as ergonomic anti-fatigue mats, safety guards on slicers, and more. But as workplaces change and evolve, so do the risks and hazards facing workers.

Ask questions

• If you're asked to work with a new cleaner or chemical, ask about its safety.

• You can also request a copy of the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

• If you're required to use a piece of machinery or device, ask for training.

• If a task or workspace seems unsafe, report it to a supervisor, and your Health & Safety Rep or JHSC.

If you suffer a work-related injury or onset of pain, report it as above and file a Form 6 with the WSIB.

5,321: The number of allowed lost-time injury claims filed by Ontario RETAIL workers in 2020. [footnote 1]

44,600: The number of all Sprains and Strains claims allowed by the WSIB between 2020 and 2021. [footnote 2]

4: The number of allowed fatality claims filed on behalf of Ontario RETAIL workers in 2020. [footnote 1]

25 - 29: The age range most often filing Sprains & Strains allowed by the WSIB in 2022. [footnote 2]

68%: Percentage of all claims filed at the WSIB so far in 2022 that have been allowed. [footnote 2]

28: Average lost time days in 2022 (all ages) for all allowed Sprains & Strains claims. [footnote 2]

Sources: 1 National work injury, disease and Fatality Statistics (NWISP) – year at a glance: AWCBC / ACATC. AWCBC / ACATC | Connecting Members - Advancing Knowledge / Relier les membres - Développer les connaissances. (2022, June 16). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://awcbc.org/en/statistics/national-work-injury-disease-and-fatality-statistics-nwisp-yearat-a-glance/ 2 Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. (2022, September 30). Health and safety statistics: Provincial Statistics. Safety check. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https:// safetycheck.onlineservices.wsib.on.ca/safetycheck/explore/provincial/SH_12/claims?lang=en