Over two-thirds (70%) of consumers are planning to shop in-person at small businesses this Christmas, according to a recent poll from insurers Hiscox.
And while the festive rush is set to bring holiday cheer, busier high streets can also increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Recent Health & Safety Executive data reveals that 680,000 workers sustained a non-fatal workplace injury in 2024/25, with slips, trips and manual handling among the leading causes.
However, those sectors most exposed to increased seasonal footfall – naturally including retail - report notably higher injury rates.
Nick Thornhill, direct and partnerships director at Hiscox, said: “When small teams face an increase in customers, staff injury risk rises. Longer hours, bigger roles and temporary staff unfamiliar with processes all add pressure. For small businesses, even one injury can disrupt operations at a critical time.”
High customer footfall and queues (59%), longer shifts and difficulty taking breaks (46%) and physical strain from lifting and long periods standing (41%) are the biggest challenges faced by festive frontline workers this month, according to the poll.
To help business owners prepare, Hiscox has created the following checklist for stores…
Prioritise rapid training for temporary staff
A short induction covering stockroom safety, manual handling, spill response and the busiest customer flow points can significantly reduce accidents.
Review rotas for fatigue risk
Avoid back-to-back closes and early opens. Guarantee breaks, rotate physically demanding roles, and plan for peak evening/weekend periods.
Reassess the physical layout
Festive displays, extra stock and temporary shelving often introduce new slip and trip hazards. Check walkways, fire exits and stock areas daily.
Assign clear roles during busy periods
Define roles for queue management, click-and-collect and high-demand zones. Establish these roles by zoning the store and mapping a clear customer journey to minimise bottlenecks.
Support team wellbeing
Short micro-breaks, quick check-ins, water breaks and clear communication help reduce emotional and physical strain during long shifts.
Double-check employers’ liability accuracy
Hiscox found that 55% of small businesses have a protection gap due to not purchasing core coverages such as employers’ liability. If staffing levels, shift patterns or processes have changed, ensure your cover is up to date and temporary workers are included.
No comments yet