Prioritizing Workplace Safety: Why Retail's Frontline Workers Deserve More Attention

The changing labor market—with high turnover and seasonal hiring—makes maintaining a consistently trained workforce a challenge for retailers. Our analysis of over 22,000 injury claims found that 38% of injuries occurred in an employee’s first year, regardless of age.

For new hires—often unfamiliar with safety protocols or best practices—the learning curve can be steep. Coupled with a 14% decline in median employee tenure over the past decade in the retail and wholesale industry, businesses face an uphill battle in creating and maintaining a safe workplace.

Dan Grant: Many companies treat safety training as an infrequent or one-and-done event. Orders pile up, deadlines loom, and safety takes a backseat. But accident prevention requires consistent monitoring, evaluation, and support.

We’ve seen success when retailers and warehouses adopt a trusted “coach” or mentor system to help new workers. Coaches not only help new employees learn their roles but also ensure tasks are performed safely. This builds a culture of safety from day one, helping to reduce accidents and their severity over time.

Floor leaders play a key role, acting as messengers, observers, and enforcers of safety expectations. For example, if a floor leader notices an employee lifting a heavy item improperly, intervening in those five seconds could prevent an injury that lasts months.

My top recommendation: Invest in active safety monitoring. Our data is clear: ongoing training and mentorship for new hires are critical to reducing first-year injuries.

When a workplace injury occurs, the consequences extend far beyond the physical harm. According to our report, injuries resulting in missed workdays lead to an average of 70 days lost per employee. For businesses, that can mean reduced productivity, temporary hiring costs, and potential reputational damage.

But the toll on workers is even greater. Injuries often bring chronic pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty, all of which can delay recovery. Our Injured Employee Complexity Factor (IECF) Models™ reveal that 20% of claims involving significant behavioral health challenges originate from the retail and wholesale sector.

Jean Feldman: In my 30 years in workers’ compensation, I’ve seen firsthand how injuries disrupt lives—not just physically but emotionally and socially. Injuries create isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty, often overshadowed by the focus on physical recovery.

Employers can make a significant difference by staying engaged with injured employees. Regular check-ins show workers they’re valued and missed, helping to reduce anxiety and build trust.

At Sentry, our IECF Models™ identify injured workers who may need additional support early on. This allows us to work with businesses to create managed care plans tailored to the individual.

My advice: Lean into each worker’s unique motivations. Personalizing communication and support can make a world of difference in their recovery journey.

This holiday season, we hope to raise awareness for the businesses and people behind the products. Retailers and wholesalers play a vital role in the economy, employing millions of workers who ensure goods reach homes across the country.

At Sentry, we’re grateful to work with many retailers across the U.S. to help them prioritize safety and care for their employees. We believe safer workplaces create stronger businesses—and together, we’ll help you protect both.