As retail workers in California navigate the daily demands of their jobs, they often overlook the toll it takes on their feet. However, foot injuries are a prevalent issue in the retail industry.
It’s important to understand which work situations can expose workers to foot injuries and how workers’ compensation can help.
High-risk situations for foot injuries
Foot injuries can occur in various situations, particularly where workers must perform certain tasks while using their feet. These include:
- Standing for prolonged periods: Continuous pressure on the feet can lead to chronic pain and conditions like plantar fasciitis or varicose veins.
- Navigating cluttered spaces: Crowded storage areas increase the risk of trips and falls, leading to sprains or fractures.
- Climbing ladders or stools: Such activities can result in falls or missteps that injure the feet.
- Lifting heavy objects: Improper lifting can cause indirect foot injuries due to overcompensation and imbalance.
Any activity that puts immense strain on the feet can lead to injuries.
Common foot injuries
Retail employees might suffer from various foot injuries through their line of work. These injuries include:
- Bunions and corns: Painful growths or skin thickening due to ill-fitting shoes and constant pressure.
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the foot’s arch causing severe pain, especially with the first steps in the morning.
- Stress fractures: Small cracks in foot bones from overuse or repeated impact.
Workers who experience intense pain in their feet must notify their manager immediately and then seek medical attention.
Workers’ compensation for foot injuries
As a type of insurance, California’s workers’ comp system will cover the medical expenses of a worker injured on the job – even for foot injuries. In addition to medical benefits, workers’ comp can also provide benefits if the worker suffers permanent or partial disability due to their injuries and pay the worker to make up for any lost income while recovering.
In conclusion, foot injuries in the retail sector are a significant concern, with long hours and demanding tasks putting workers at risk. However, a worker still has to file a claim to start the workers’ compensation process, and there’s no guarantee that their employer will approve their claim.
If you’re a retail worker whose claim was denied, you can still appeal the decision with California’s Department of Industrial Relations. A legal professional experienced in handling workers’ comp cases may be able to help you make your case during the administrative hearing and fight for your right to compensation.