I have been working at a grocery store as a grocery clerk for 2 weeks. Yesterday I had an 8 hour shift (12:30-9:00). The store closes at 9:00.
I spent the second half of my shift replenishing items from the frozen section. We have a pretty big walk in freezer in the back.
The place is extremely disorganized and tight on space, so when pallets have to be moved, they can get in the way of the cooler and freezer doors.
About 5 minutes before the end of my shift, I was in the freezer organizing boxes in the overstock section. I was told to always keep the door shut even when I’m inside to keep the temperature at freezing level.
When I’m finished, I reach for the handle to open the door, and it only goes about half a foot. Someone must have placed the big pallet Jack there before punching out. I started knocking to get someone’s attention, but no luck. The grocery manager left early like usual. I knock every minute for the next half hour, nobody there. Everyone’s gone home. Keep in mind I’m wearing summer clothes. I’m surrounded by ice. At 10:00 I start to think about how I’m going to survive until the morning. I curl up into a ball and start praying for the first time in my life.
At 10:20 I hear someone coming in. I completely forgot there was a night shift at 10:30 I call out, a young guy comes over and moves the pallet jack. He gives me a hug. I’m crying. I thank him and leave. Luckily I was off the next day.
I was afraid to get in trouble so I haven’t let anyone know yet.
Since then, I have had major nightmares and trauma about this.
I feel like this is still taking a toll on me mentally and I’m not sure what to do.