Work Injuries Happen

The retail industry has the highest number of on-the-job injuries of any other industry. Musculoskeletal injuries, those caused by improperly lifting heavy or bulky items occur frequently. Falls, slips, and trips often cause bruises, fractures, broken bones and back-related injuries.

Owing to retail workers using sharp tools for tasks like opening boxes, scrapes and cuts can occur. Retail workers who stand for long hours can experience leg cramps and backaches. Repetitive tasks and motions can strain specific body parts and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

All retail workers, regardless of their position or hours worked, are generally eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they are injured while performing their job duties.

When it comes to workers’ compensation law in Virginia, an employee is broadly defined and includes part-time, seasonal and temporary workers, minors, trainees, immigrants and working family members. Part-time and seasonal workers are covered by workers’ compensation in Virginia, just like full-time employees are.

Don’t think that because you are hired temporarily or seasonally that your on-the-job injury doesn’t qualify for workers’ compensation, because more likely than not – it does. As a general rule, a business with more than two employees is required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ comp insurance is required by law for nearly all employers and those hiring seasonal workers are no exception.

If you’re a seasonal employee and you’re injured due to an accident at work, you are entitled to the same benefits available to full-time employees.