Common Injuries Suffered by Cashiers: What You Should Know

If you are a cashier, you may not realize all the different ways you can suffer an injury while at work. All employers must provide safety to employees and prevent the possibility of hazards in the workplace. However, you are vulnerable in some ways just because of your position as a cashier. The following are some examples of injury types you could experience on the job.

Armed Robbery Injuries

No matter where you cashier, whether it is a convenience store or a luxury department store, the risk of an armed robbery is always there. Because you work directly with money, you are at a higher risk for an attack from an armed robber, which can cause you injuries.

Cashiers are among the most commonly injured or even killed in armed robbery attacks. If your employer installs proper security protocol, the likelihood of attack is lessened. However, any injuries you endure are eligible for worker’s compensation coverage.

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Part of the job of a cashier is to stand for many hours without sitting. You can experience swollen feet, leg pain, and lower back pain. An employer may provide you with a foot rail or short stool so you can take breaks periodically. Padded floor mats can also help provide relief. If you experience chronic pain due to the strain of standing for so long, visit your human resources representative to make a claim.

Overextension Injuries

A cashier has to repeatedly make the same movements during the day. You have to lift and extend your arms across a counter or other surface to accept money and provide the purchased merchandise. These repeated motions can result in injuries to the soft tissues on the neck, back, and shoulders.

If you experience strain from the overextension of your soft muscle tissues, request that the cash register be repositioned or lower the counter so you can reach more easily.

Repeated Strain

The manipulation of your hands in the same motion throughout the day can cause injuries to the hands and wrists. You could even develop carpel tunnel syndrome. This is a painful condition that you need surgery to reverse.

Many of these injuries are avoidable if your employer puts special protocols into place. If you experience repeated injuries at your workplace and your employer denies your worker’s compensation claim, you need to contact a worker’s compensation attorney right away.

All of these claims are legitimate and should be covered by your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Walz Law Office.