One of the nation’s largest superstore warehouse chains, Home Depot, has come under fire from Consumer Advocate groups for not properly protecting consumers from falling merchandise. If you have ever walked into Home Depot and looked up while walking through the aisles of the warehouse, you can see that all types of products are stacked on high shelves that can cause injuries to an unsuspecting consumer. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in personal injury lawsuits involving premises liability and slip and falls of consumers in the superstore retailer.

The investigative news show 20/20 highlighted the poor safety measures in Home Depot, while employees were stocking merchandise with consumers present in a segment featuring the retailer. It was reported that in the year 2000, falling merchandise caused fatal injuries to three consumers around the country in Home Depot stores.  It is not uncommon to see a Home Depot Forklift operating with heavy loads, while consumers are shopping along the same warehouse aisles. This negligent practice increases the risk of consumers becoming injured by falling merchandise.  It is common sense that these types of injuries could be prevented if more practices such as putting safety nets and restraining bars to support merchandise on top shelves.  

Federal regulation does not protect Home Depot consumers from falling merchandise. Inspections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration only occur if an employee of the store is injured.  Consumer advocates are lobbying for mandatory consumer safety protections such as safety nets and rail systems in warehouse superstore retailers.  These safety protections will help cut down on falling merchandise-related accidents.

Types of common consumer injuries that occur due to falling merchandise include, neck, back, head, brain, spinal, and shoulder injuries.