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Stevens Point, WI--A new study by Sentry Insurance highlights the risks faced by newly hired retail employees, revealing that 38% of workplace injuries in the retail sector occur within a worker's first year on the job. Released as part of Sentry's 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report, the findings underscore the need for enhanced safety training, particularly during the holiday season when retailers hire thousands of seasonal workers.

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According to the report, strains and contusions make up nearly half of all reported injuries, with lacerations and sprains following closely. Injuries that result in missed work lead to an average of 70 lost workdays. Additionally, younger employees under the age of 30 accounted for nearly one-third of all injuries.

Sentry Insurance’s safety services director, Dan Grant, emphasized the challenges of onboarding seasonal workers quickly and safely during high-pressure times like the holidays. “Short-term hires often lack the job-specific training and support needed to prevent injuries. Our data is clear: prioritizing ongoing safety mentorship from day one can help reduce injuries across the industry,” Grant stated in the report.

The report also addresses behavioral health risks that complicate injury recovery. Sentry’s proprietary Injured Employee Complexity Factor (IECF) Models™ found that 20% of claims with significant behavioral health factors—such as chronic pain or mental health challenges—stemmed from the retail and wholesale sectors. These claims account for over a third of workers' compensation costs and lead to longer recovery times.

Jean Feldman, Sentry’s director of managed care, highlighted the need for comprehensive support systems for injured workers, stating that workplace injuries affect not only physical health but also emotional and financial well-being. She noted in the report that improving outcomes requires staying engaged with injured employees throughout their recovery.

As the holiday season approaches, retailers are expected to hire between 400,000 and 500,000 seasonal workers, according to the National Retail Federation. Sentry's findings stress the importance of proactive safety measures to reduce injury risks while maintaining productivity.

For a full breakdown of findings, check out Sentry's 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report.

Read the news release here.