Working in a supermarket can be both a short term and long term career goal for many people. There are multiple opportunities in most supermarkets which can be great for someone’s professional growth. However, think about your paycheck if you work in a grocery store. If you were to get hurt at work, could afford to pay additional medical bills? What if you couldn’t work? How would you take care of your family? Workers’ Compensation Basics If you’re hurt on the job, you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. Each state has a law in place that says most employers must carry a workers’ compensation policy to protect their workers. There is no charge to employees to use workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can provide many different benefits. The benefits that you’ll receive will depend on how badly you are hurt. You may qualify to get help with medical expenses, lost wages, or even job training. However, to receive any benefits through workers’ compensation, you must first file a claim through your employer. Ask your manager, supervisor, or Human Resources representative how you can file your claim and get a list of doctors who can treat you at no charge. Company Profile: Hannaford’s The Hannaford Brothers Company owns the Hannaford's chain of supermarkets and are headquartered in Scarborough, Maine. The parent company reported that it had 189 stores under the Hannaford's name, though they own more than 1,500 stores up and down the east coast. In total, Hannaford Brothers Company has around 26,000 employees companywide. Working at Hannaford’s Brings Risk Hannaford’s has many departments including deli, bakery, and a pharmacy. Additionally, they bring on cashiers and stockers. Each job has its own specific set of risks. Let’s look at some of the common risks associated with these positions. Deli workers: If you work in the deli or meat counters at Hannaford’s, you work around sharp knives and saws. You may cut meat. You may spend a lot of time on your feet. Even if you wear non-slick shoes, you’re not totally out of harm’s way. If you slip on flour, blood, or even water, you could hit your head on the counter when you fall. You could hurt your back or neck or hit your head on the ground. Preparing meats and cheeses can lead to severe cuts. Bakery workers: If you work in the bakery, you may enjoy the creativity that you’re able to display. However, you could burn yourself on the oven, get hurt if baking equipment malfunctions, and you’re also at risk for a slip and fall. Flour can be hard to clean up from a floor and it can create quite a hazard. Pharmacy workers and cashiers: If you work in the pharmacy or as a cashier, you perform the same movements every single day with your hands. You stand on your feet most of the day. You walk. You bend down. All of these movements over time can lead to the development of repetitive stress injury. Stockers: Moving heavy goods and lifting them to the top shelves can put you at risk. You may fall off of a ladder. You could slip and fall because of a leaking product. Questions About Workers’ Compensation? If you are hurt on the job and have questions about workers’ compensation, you should make the time to discuss your questions with a workers’ compensation attorney. This is the best way to learn about your rights as an injured worker and to make sure that you are getting all of the benefits that you deserve. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against The Hannaford Brothers Company or its subsidiaries, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
