Many retail stores rely heavily on seasonal employees during November and December. While this additional staffing is necessary, it often introduces significant safety risks. As an Expert Retail Witness, I frequently find that holiday workers receive minimal training—especially regarding safety, merchandising protocols, and emergency procedures.
Holiday employees may unintentionally:
- Overstock shelves out of haste
- Place merchandise above safe reach zones
- Leave stocking equipment or boxes in aisles
- Skip cleaning steps during high traffic
- Fail to recognize tripping hazards
- Misuse ladders or stepstools
- Block emergency exits while restocking
In injury cases, attorneys often ask me to assess whether seasonal staffing contributed to unsafe conditions. I evaluate training records, onboarding procedures, task assignment logs, and the store’s documented safety requirements.
I also examine whether the injury resulted from:
- Lack of supervision
- Rushed or poorly communicated procedures
- Temporary employees performing tasks without proper guidance
Understanding the role of seasonal staffing often uncovers a chain of decisions that contributed to the incident. When training is insufficient or safety protocols are overlooked, liability becomes clearer.
If your firm is reviewing a case from the holiday season, I can help determine whether staffing practices played a role. Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch within a few hours. Or you can try me at 1-917-691-4853.
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