Workplace incidents including injuries, illnesses and near-misses cost U.S. companies $50.87 billion annually, according to recent research from Liberty Mutual Insurance, making preventative safety programs a valuable risk mitigation strategy that can protect workers and save organizations from costly accidents.
The retail sector encompasses an incredibly broad spectrum of businesses — from back-of-house operations to frontline workers, with stores ranging from small shops to nationwide chains. With retail companies running the gamut in size, scope and strategy, workplace incidents can occur across any role, location or moment, making vigilance and preparedness essential for everyone. A cashier, for example, faces different risks than a stockroom worker, and a distribution center presents different hazards than a boutique storefront.
For an all-encompassing safety approach, three considerations are helping reshape how retail companies address workplace safety: AI-powered analytics identifying ergonomic risks, mental health integration addressing the unique stressors retail workers face, and proactive preparation for OSHA’s first-ever national heat safety rule.
Companies implementing these strategies may see reduced injury rates, lower insurance premiums and safer workplace cultures.
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Using AI and Wearable Technology to Predict and Prevent Injuries
In stockrooms and warehouses, workers routinely operate pallet jacks and forklifts while performing repetitive manual handling tasks. The physical intensity and frequency of these significantly increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue-related incidents.
Wearable technology offers real-time monitoring of lifting techniques and body mechanics, proactively identifying ergonomic risks before they escalate into injuries. When unsafe lifting patterns or excessive weight loads are detected, the system can trigger targeted interventions – such as personalized training, equipment recalibration, or strategic workload adjustments — to safeguard worker health and performance.
Paired with wearables, AI-powered safety management systems can combine historical insurance claims data with current site inspections, routine equipment checks and near-miss reports to help create a more complete safety picture. These systems connect what safety experts call “lagging data” — past claims and injuries – with “leading data” that includes real-time information from ongoing site activities and employee observations.
Traditional insurance claims often group workplace injuries into broad categories like “slip and fall” or “strain,” obscuring the underlying causes such as inadequate training, poor ergonomics or unsafe workspace design. AI-driven analysis uncovers deeper patterns, revealing, for instance, that strain-related injuries spike during understaffed shifts or that certain cleaning agents increase floor slipperiness. Rather than simply labeling incidents after they occur, AI pinpoints why they happen, delivering actionable insights that drive more targeted and preventative safety strategies.
Collecting data alone does not prevent injuries — what truly matters is how that data is interpreted and applied. By consolidating safety metrics into a centralized dashboard, companies gain a real-time view of their safety climate: how employees engage with safety programs, their comfort level in reporting near-misses and where proactive intervention is needed most. The dashboard transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, empowering safety leaders to make informed, timely decisions that reduce risk and improve outcomes.
For organizations new to AI, taking a phased approach is key to building trust and driving adoption. Start with one or two high-impact metrics, demonstrate measurable improvements and use those wins to secure buy-in from leadership and frontline teams. Scaling becomes far more effective when it’s grounded in proven value.
Addressing the Mental Health Factor in Workplace Safety
Mental health safety is just as critical as physical safety — especially in the retail sector, where the demands of the job can intensify existing challenges. Nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental health condition, and the nature of retail work — long hours on foot, unpredictable schedules and frequent public interactions — can make those conditions harder to manage.
Retail employees often face emotionally taxing situations, including verbal abuse or workplace violence. Over time, the pressure to maintain composure in difficult customer interactions can lead to burnout and emotional fatigue.
Operational indicators — such as rising turnover in specific departments, increased sick days, absenteeism or declines in communication and productivity — can signal that employees need more support.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer a confidential and accessible starting point, connecting workers with counselors before issues escalate. Equally important is fostering a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel empowered to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
Supervisors play a pivotal role in early intervention. With proper training, managers can recognize behavioral and emotional warning signs — like mood changes or social withdrawal — and respond proactively. Peer-to-peer support systems can also build trust and connection by pairing seasoned employees with newer team members.
Ultimately, leadership sets the tone. When management treats safety and wellbeing as shared responsibilities — not just individual burdens — it creates a workplace where employees feel seen, supported and safe to speak up.
What OSHA’s New Heat Safety Rule Means for Retail
A 2025 report found a troubling 28% increase in heat-related worker fatalities, from 43 deaths in 2022 to 55 in 2023. In response, OSHA proposed its first-ever national heat safety standard, set to take effect in 2025. The rule would require employers to implement protective measures when temperatures exceed 80°F, establishing baseline safeguards that currently exist only in a few states..
While heat exposure is often associated with outdoor jobs, warehouse and retail distribution center employees face similar risks. Many stockrooms lack proper ventilation or air conditioning, and heat generated by machinery, delivery vehicles, and tightly packed inventory can drive indoor temperatures to dangerous levels.
A job hazard analysis can help identify which roles are most vulnerable to heat stress and guide necessary adjustments. Simple interventions — such as adding extra breaks, shifting work hours to cooler parts of the day or installing fans and cooling stations — can make a meaningful difference, especially where full climate control isn’t feasible. Environmental monitoring systems also can send automatic alerts when temperatures rise, flagging unsafe conditions in real time.
Regular toolbox talks — brief, informal safety meetings held on-site — are an effective way to keep heat stress top of mind. Training can cover how to recognize early symptoms and administer first aid to affected coworkers. When employees understand how quickly mild symptoms can escalate into life-threatening emergencies, they’re more likely to speak up early and potentially save a life.
Building an Integrated Approach to Safety
Effective safety programs deliver the greatest impact when approached holistically — viewing safety not just through the lens of incident reports and claims data, but as an integral part of a company’s structure and culture. In retail, the everyday realities of long shifts, physically demanding tasks and constant public interaction should inform how safety initiatives are designed and implemented.
Safety starts at the top. Leadership sets the tone, and frontline supervisors play a critical role in reinforcing that safety conversations are a priority — not an afterthought. When companies integrate AI-powered analytics, mental health resources and proactive planning for emerging regulations, they create a safer, more resilient retail environment — one that protects employees while maintaining operational continuity.
Hamid Abuzaid is a recognized leader in EHS, sustainability and risk management with nearly two decades of global experience across diverse industries. As SVP of Safety and Risk Consulting (SRC) at NFP, an Aon company, he spearheads transformative strategies that embed safety and wellbeing into organizational culture. A sought-after speaker and published contributor, Abuzaid delivers insights that turn complex challenges into practical, actionable solutions. A Certified Safety Professional and ISO Lead Auditor, he blends technical mastery with a passion for protecting people and the planet, helping organizations thrive responsibly and resiliently in an ever-changing world.
