Grocery shopping is a weekly, if not daily, errand for most families. While grocery stores provide us with the food and supplies we need, they can also pose safety risks. Hazards that customers may encounter in stores change with the seasons in Colorado. Being aware of these seasonal dangers can help shoppers stay injury-free.
Slip and Fall Hazards
Slip and fall accidents are one of the top causes of injury in grocery stores year-round. However, winter weather creates additional slipping risks that customers should watch out for.
Snow and Ice
Snowy and icy conditions outside can be tracked into stores on customers’ shoes. Puddles forming from melted snow can also create slip risks near entrances. Floors may be wet and slippery in produce sections as ice melts off refrigerated foods. Shoppers should walk carefully and avoid rushing on wet or slick floors. Stores should put out warning signs or cones by entrances when conditions are slippery.
Winter Boots and Footwear
Bulky winter boots with deep tread may get caught on floor mats or cracks between floor tiles. The smooth, hard soles on other winter footwear like leather boots can also lose traction easily on slick surfaces. Wearing shoes with good grip and watching your step is key.
Frost and Condensation
Moving between cold refrigerated cases and warmer aisles can cause condensation to form on the floor. Watch for wet spots near freezers and refrigerated sections. Areas in front of open coolers are also prone to collecting moisture. Stepping cautiously in these zones can prevent falls. Stores should mop or dry condensation promptly to avoid slick conditions.
Spilled Foods and Drinks
With holidays and large family gatherings, winter months see heavy grocery store traffic. More people means more spills that can create slip hazards. Be alert for spilled foods and juices in aisles, especially around holiday peak times. Report any spills you see to store employees promptly. Proper floor mats in front of sample stations can help absorb drips.
Falling Merchandise Risks
In addition to slip and falls, customers can be injured by objects falling on them in stores. Shelves and displays being accidentally knocked over by other shoppers pose hazards.
Crowded Aisles
Grocery stores are most crowded before holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. With more people crammed into aisles, displays are more likely to get bumped and merchandise can fall. Children are especially prone to knocking items off low shelves. Brace or move displays as needed and keep an eye out overhead. Stores should strategically widen aisles and stabilize shelving in high traffic areas.
Shifting Products
Cold air from open freezer cases can cause items stored on top shelves or displays to shift and fall. Cans, boxes, and glass jars are particularly prone to sliding. Avoid standing directly beneath tall, overloaded displays. Report precarious merchandise stacking to employees right away. Use of shelf lips and product guards can prevent accidental falling.
Frozen and Chilled Items
Shoppers selecting frozen foods can dislodge stacked boxes and bags. The same is true for chilled dairy and juice products in refrigerated cases. Always pull items carefully from displays to avoid causing an avalanche onto yourself or others. Stores should use dividers and not over-stack frozen sections.
Produce Sections
Ladders are often used in produce sections to stock high shelves. Falling fruit from upward stocking is a hazard. Watch for store employees working overhead and do not linger near ladders. Be aware of any loose produce on tilted stacks that could roll off. Stores can use netting over produce to contain falling items.
Safe Shopping Tips
Use caution and remain alert to prevent grocery store injuries this winter. Follow these tips for safer shopping:
- Wear sturdy winter footwear with good traction. Change into clean shoes before entering stores to avoid tracking in snow and ice.
- Walk slowly and hang onto carts for stability in potentially slick areas like produce.
- Scan aisles before entering to spot any merchandise or displays leaning precariously.
- Keep aisles clear and do not block passages with carts or products.
- Do not pull items forcefully off shelves. Carefully slide or lift them out.
- Keep children seated in carts and do not let them run around crowded stores.
- Report spills, slippery areas, and unsafe conditions immediately to store management.
- Choose non-peak hours to shop if wanting to avoid crowds and hazards.
- Ask staff for assistance retrieving hard to reach items to avoid knockdowns.
- Wear footwear with traction and watch for slick spots near cold cases.
Staying aware of seasonal risks makes grocery shopping safer for customers of all ages. However, accidents still happen even when every precaution is taken. If you suffer an injury due to unsafe conditions or negligence by a Colorado grocery store, contact Monge & Associates for a free consultation. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Colorado, Illinois, and Kansas, our personal injury attorneys have the experience to handle your case. Call (888) 477-0597 today.