How Understaffing Increases Retail Store Accident Risks In Washington State

Retail stores are legally required to provide a safe environment for customers. However, when stores are understaffed, safety often takes a backseat. Understaffing is a significant problem for store owners in our area and increases the risk of retail accidents in Washington State.

Understaffing often plays a significant role in retail store accidents. Our Issaquah retail liability lawyer explains how inadequate staffing can make injuries more likely to happen, common causes, and what you can do to protect your rights.

Understaffing Makes Issaquah Retail Accidents More Likely To Happen

Washington Retail Workforce Reports show that stores throughout the state are struggling with staffing shortages. The industry never fully recovered from widespread layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and today, budget cuts, high turnover rates, and a shifting workforce make staffing even more of a challenge.

However, when stores fail to schedule enough employees or attempt to rely on untrained workers hired through temporary services, customer safety can easily be compromised. Dangerous conditions that result and increase the risk of retail accidents in Issaquah include:

• Unattended spills, resulting in wet, slippery floors;
• Torn carpeting, chipped tiles, and uneven walkways, all of which pose serious trip hazards;
• Improperly stocked items, resulting in excess cluttered, blocked aisles, and having to struggle to get items off shelves;
• Lack of proper maintenance, resulting in loose light fixtures, exposed wiring, and other hazards;
• Inadequate security, increasing the likelihood of potentially dangerous criminal behavior and the risk of altercations among customers.

Protecting Yourself Against Retail Injuries In Washington State

Understaffing, whether it happens due to labor shortages or in a conscious effort to increase profits, means that many employees and store managers are overworked. This makes them more likely to overlook standard safety procedures or fail to document obvious hazards.

Unfortunately, their customers are generally the ones who suffer the consequences. To protect yourself, follow these tips:

• Stay Alert: Pay attention and watch for wet floors, blocked aisles, and other hazards that staff might overlook.
• Ask for Assistance: If you need help reaching an item or navigating an unsafe area, request assistance from a store employee rather than attempting to get it yourself.
• Report Injuries Immediately: If you get hurt in a retail store, notify the manager immediately and make sure they complete an accident report.
• Document Dangerous Conditions: Take photos or videos of the accident site and your injuries and get contact information for any witnesses.
• Seek Medical Attention: Do not downplay your injuries. Make sure your doctor knows all your symptoms and how your injuries happened.

Request A Consultation Today With Our Issaquah Retail Liability Attorney

Retail stores have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for customers. When understaffing leads to hazardous conditions and injuries, store owners can be held liable.

If you get injured in a Washington retail store due to unsafe conditions, contact Injury Law Group NW. We protect your rights in dealing with retail store owners and insurers, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. Reach out today and request a consultation with our Issaquah retail liability attorney.

Sources:

wtb.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Retail-Workforce-Analysis-Report.pdf

app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=19.28.361#:~:text=RCW%2019.28.,Liability%20for%20injury%20or%20damage.