In 2008, an employee of a major retailer was trampled to death by a stampede of customers surging into the store looking for Black Friday deals. On the same day, two customers in another chain had a shooting match resulting in both dying, although it does not appear to have been a shopping-related incident.

While it's hard to determine the number of non-fatal injuries occurring during the Black Friday rush, there are likely many. Since these incidents, OSHA has taken a keen interest in this potential workplace hazard. As the holidays approach, OSHA has taken the unusual step of sending a letter to fourteen major retailers forwarding its recommendations for preventing injuries from large crowds. Among those receiving the letter were the CEOs of Apple, Target, Macy's, and IKEA.