Here’s a reality check for retail safety leaders: Retail workplaces reported 422,700 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2023, with an injury rate of 3.7 cases per 100 full-time workers—outpacing the national average for all industries (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2023). From slips in the produce aisle to overexertion in the stockroom, injuries in retail settings aren’t just common—they’re predictable, preventable, and costly.
These injuries aren’t just numbers. They mean lost workdays (a median of 40 days per severe injury), high direct costs (over $33,000 for a single laceration), and even higher indirect costs—think productivity loss, team disruption, and reputational hits (Source: ElectroIQ Workplace Safety Statistics, 2025; OSHA, 2024).
But here’s the good news: Most of the top injuries in retail can be prevented. By combining established safety best practices with new technology—especially AI-powered video intelligence—retailers can spot hazards before they become incidents, reinforce compliance, and empower frontline teams to act fast.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 preventable injuries in retail facilities and, most importantly, how to get ahead of them. We’ll show how video analytics fits hand-in-glove with safety programs, supporting your people and your bottom line.
The Top 5 Preventable Injuries in Retail (and How to Stop Them)
Let’s zero in on the five injury types that consistently top the charts in U.S. retail—and where video intelligence offers a clear, direct prevention benefit. For each, we’ll walk through a real-world scenario, root causes, and practical tech-supported solutions.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Scenario:
A customer spills a drink in aisle 7, but no one notices for 15 minutes. An employee, rushing to restock shelves, steps in the liquid and falls, fracturing their wrist.
Root Causes & Impact
- Primary Factors: Wet floors, cluttered aisles, poor lighting.
- Systemic Causes: Inconsistent floor checks; just 30% of retailers use absorbent mats (Source: NIOSH, 2024).
- Operational Risks: Delayed spill response—45% of stores take over 10 minutes to address hazards (Source: NSC White Paper, 2023).
- Behavioral Patterns: Only 58% of staff wear non-slip footwear in high-risk areas (Source: Journal of Safety Research, 2024).
Impact: Slips, trips, and falls make up 25% of all retail injuries and cost employers $9.99 billion annually (Source: Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, 2025). These incidents often result in fractures—a single event can sideline a worker for 40+ days (Source: BLS, 2023).
How video intelligence helps:
AI-powered cameras instantly detect spills, clutter, or obstructions and alert staff in real time. Video analytics highlight recurring “hot spots” for slip incidents, making it easy to prioritize preventive action and verify that clean-up protocols are followed.
2. Overexertion Injuries (Lifting, Carrying, Pushing)
Scenario:
During a busy delivery, an employee lifts a 60-pound box (well above the recommended limit), twisting awkwardly to fit it onto a high shelf. They strain their back, resulting in weeks off work.
Root Causes & Impact
- Primary Factors: Heavy, repetitive lifting; awkward postures during stocking.
- Systemic Causes: Lack of mechanized equipment (like conveyors), poor workflow design.
- Operational Risks: Rushed unloading during peak hours or when understaffed.
- Behavioral Patterns: 62% of workers skip assistive devices to “save time” (Source: NIOSH Retail Fact Sheet, 2024).
Impact: Overexertion drives 28% of retail injuries—the single largest category (Source: Liberty Mutual, 2025). Back injuries and strains can cost tens of thousands per claim and often lead to chronic issues.
How video intelligence helps:
AI video systems can flag improper lifting techniques and non-compliance with safe handling protocols. Managers can review clips to coach individuals, identify patterns (like frequent manual lifting in certain shifts), and verify use of assistive devices in real time.
3. Struck-by-Object Incidents
Scenario:
A stockroom shelf is overfilled and lacks proper load signage. When an employee grabs one box, several others tumble down, striking their head and hand.
Root Causes & Impact
- Primary Factors: Falling items from overstocked or unstable shelves.
- Systemic Causes: 40% of stores lack clear load-weight signage; infrequent racking inspections (Source: OSHA Retail Guidelines, 2025).
- Operational Risks: Narrow aisles, high forklift traffic.
- Behavioral Patterns: 70% of workers bypass designated safety zones during restocking (Source: NSC, 2025).
Impact: Struck-by-object injuries account for 15% of retail incidents, commonly resulting in fractures, lacerations, or concussions (Source: National Safety Council, 2025). Direct costs for a single laceration average $33,348 (Source: ElectroIQ, 2025).
How video intelligence helps:
AI cameras monitor shelving and pallet areas for unsafe stacking, blocked safety zones, or violations of racking protocols. They can trigger alerts when someone enters a high-risk area without PPE or when unsafe loading is detected.
4. Falls to Lower Level (Ladders, Mezzanines)
Scenario:
An employee uses a ladder to retrieve stock but skips the required spotter and fails to secure the ladder on a flat surface. They lose balance and fall four feet, suffering a fracture.
Root Causes & Impact
- Primary Factors: Ladder misuse, unguarded edges.
- Systemic Causes: Lack of guardrails or overlooked maintenance.
- Operational Risks: Unsupervised ladder use during off-hours.
Impact: Falls to lower levels make up 8% of all retail injuries. These incidents are more likely to result in severe outcomes—fractures, concussions, or even fatality (Source: BLS, 2023).
How video intelligence helps:
AI video can verify ladder safety compliance—detecting when ladders are used without a spotter, when guardrails are missing, or if workers are bypassing procedures. Footage enables rapid root-cause analysis after an incident for targeted retraining.
5. Machine-Related Injuries (Cutting, Pinching, Amputations)
Scenario:
During a rush, an employee disables a slicer’s safety guard to speed up sandwich prep. Their hand slips, resulting in a severe laceration and partial fingertip amputation.
Root Causes & Impact
- Primary Factors: Disabling safety devices, improper machine use.
- Systemic Causes: Poor training, lack of regular machine audits.
- Operational Risks: High-stress periods, understaffed shifts.
Impact: Hands and fingers are the most commonly injured body parts in retail, with lacerations and amputations leading to average direct costs of over $33,000–$60,000 per incident (Source: ElectroIQ, 2025).
How video intelligence helps:
Video analytics can detect when machine guards are removed or if employees operate equipment unsafely. Real-time alerts enable intervention before a serious injury occurs, and footage supports investigations and training.
Challenges and Impact of These Injuries in Retail
Here’s how these five injury types weigh on retail operations—and where data and video tech can change the game:
| Injury Type | Challenges | Impact | Role of data & technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slips, trips, and falls | Hard to spot hazards in real time; spill response delays; inconsistent checks | High injury cost, lost time, reputational damage | AI cameras detect spills/clutter instantly, flag high-risk “hot spots,” verify cleaning protocols |
| Overexertion (lifting, etc.) | Unsafe lifting habits; skipped breaks; lack of assistive device use | Chronic injuries, high claims cost, repeated strain | Video flags unsafe lifts, missing devices, improper technique; supports targeted coaching and workflow redesign |
| Struck-by-object | Overstocked shelves, unsafe stacking, poor signage | Head/finger injuries, fractures, costly lacerations | Tech detects unsafe stacking, blocked safety zones, and protocol shortcuts—alerts supervisors in real time |
| Falls to lower level | Unsupervised ladder use, missing guardrails, off-hours work | Severe fractures, concussions, high OSHA scrutiny | Cameras verify ladder protocol, spot missing guardrails, and provide footage for incident review and retraining |
| Machine-related (cuts, etc.) | Guards disabled, poor training, rushed tasks | Amputations, lacerations, high direct/indirect costs | AI detects missing guards, unsafe use; provides evidence for compliance and helps tailor refresher training |
How Technology Strengthens Injury Prevention in Retail
Video intelligence is a force multiplier for safety programs. Here’s how it supports each injury type—making retail workplaces safer, smarter, and more proactive.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Safety challenge: Slippery floors, clutter, and slow spill response are hard to police in busy stores—especially across multiple locations.
Tech Solution: Spot AI and similar platforms use computer vision to spot spills, debris, or obstructions instantly. When a spill occurs, the system can send a real-time alert to the nearest staff, reducing response time dramatically. Analytics dashboards reveal recurring hot spots, enabling managers to deploy mats or adjust cleaning schedules where risk is highest.
Overexertion Injuries
Safety challenge: Unsafe lifting and skipped ergonomic protocols often go unnoticed until someone is hurt—or develops chronic pain.
Tech Solution: AI video analytics detect unsafe lifting postures or when staff ignore assistive devices. The tech can send compliance reminders to team leaders or flag repeat offenders for extra coaching. Spot AI’s searchable video makes it easy to review incidents and optimize workflows—helping managers enforce safe lifting policies without hovering over staff.
Struck-by-Object Incidents
Safety challenge: Stockrooms and aisles get crowded. Overstocked shelves, missing signage, or unsafe stacking can lead to dangerous falling-object events.
Tech Solution: Intelligent cameras monitor shelving zones for unsafe stacking and can detect when safety barriers or load limits aren’t observed. When someone enters a restricted area or violates a safety protocol, supervisors get an immediate notification. Reviewing video also helps spot trends—like certain shifts with more safety violations—so you can adjust training or layout.
Falls to Lower Level
Safety challenge: Workers often use ladders or access mezzanines without proper supervision or safeguards, especially during off-hours.
Tech Solution: Video analytics verify that employees use ladders correctly, with spotters and guardrails in place. The system can flag risky behavior—like someone climbing without a harness or using damaged equipment—so intervention happens before a fall. After an incident, managers can quickly review footage to pinpoint exactly where procedures broke down.
Machine-Related Injuries
Safety challenge: Shortcuts—like disabling guards or rushing machine tasks—are tempting but dangerous. Traditional supervision can’t catch every unsafe act.
Tech Solution: AI-powered cameras recognize when a safety guard is missing or a hand enters a danger zone. Real-time alerts prompt immediate intervention. Searchable video also helps compliance teams verify training effectiveness and target refresher sessions where they’re most needed.
Practical Implementation of Safety Technology in Retail
Rolling out safety technology in a retail environment isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them. Here’s how to do it right:
- Integrate with existing cameras: Modern AI solutions like Spot AI work with most camera systems, so you don’t need to rip-and-replace.
- Layer onto existing safety programs: Video analytics should reinforce your daily safety huddles, checklists, and coaching—not replace them.
- Tailor to your risk profile: Evaluate solutions based on your top hazards (e.g., slips for grocery, lifting for big box, machinery for food service) and operational workflows.
- Start with a pilot: Test in one or two locations, focus on a high-risk area, and measure incident reductions or compliance improvements.
- Train your team: Ensure staff understand the “why” behind the tech and how it supports—not surveils—them.
- Review and refine: Use analytics and incident reviews to continually improve your protocols and training.
When evaluating solutions, ask vendors for case studies in retail, check for easy integration, and prioritize user-friendly platforms that frontline managers can actually use.
Ready to Make Your Retail Workplace Safer? Let’s Partner Up.
Preventing injuries isn’t just about compliance—it’s about keeping your team whole, operations running smoothly, and customers coming back. Leading retailers are seeing fewer injuries and more engaged staff by combining proven protocols with video intelligence.
Want a clear plan to reduce incidents and strengthen your safety culture? Book a safety consultation. We’ll help you map out the right mix of tech and training to hit your safety goals—no sales pitch, just solid advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common workplace injuries in retail, and why do they happen?
The most common injuries are slips, trips, and falls; overexertion from lifting; struck-by-object incidents; falls from ladders or mezzanines; and machine-related injuries (like cuts or amputations). These often stem from high-traffic environments, rushed workflows, improper equipment use, and missed safety checks (Source: BLS, 2023; Liberty Mutual, 2025).
How can video intelligence help prevent injuries in a retail environment?
AI-powered camera systems detect hazards—like spills, unsafe lifting, or protocol violations—in real time. They alert staff or supervisors immediately, help verify that safety procedures are followed, and provide valuable footage for training and root-cause analysis.
What steps should I take to implement video analytics in my retail store?
Start by identifying your highest-risk areas (stockrooms, aisles, checkout). Integrate AI analytics with your existing camera system, train managers on how to use alerts and search features, and combine tech with your regular safety meetings and training.
Are AI video solutions compliant with OSHA and privacy requirements?
Yes, when implemented properly. OSHA encourages the use of technology to support safety programs, and most reputable AI video platforms offer features like privacy masking and access controls. Always review your local privacy laws and communicate transparently with your staff.
How do I choose the right safety technology for my retail business?
Look for solutions that integrate with your current cameras, are easy for frontline managers to use, and address your most frequent injury types. Ask vendors for proven retail case studies and prioritize platforms with strong analytics and alerting features.
Can video analytics replace traditional safety training or inspections?
No—technology is a powerful tool, but it works best when layered onto a foundation of strong safety culture, regular training, and routine inspections. Use video intelligence to enhance, not replace, your human-led safety efforts.
About the Author
Amrish Kapoor, VP Technology at Spot AI
Amrish Kapoor leads Spot AI’s technology strategy and innovation, specializing in practical applications of AI and video analytics for workplace safety. With deep expertise in system architecture and AI/ML, Amrish helps retail organizations implement scalable, compliant solutions that empower teams and prevent injuries—making safety outcomes smarter, not just more high-tech.
