Retail workers face many hazards, from trip-and-fall risks to back injuries resulting from heavy lifting. The key is awareness. If supervisors and employees recognize the hazards and know how to adopt safe work practices, they will avoid potentially painful and costly injuries.
Safety in a Retail Store - Stack cartons so that they're not piled at the end of aisles where people could trip over them.
- Clean all walkways (floors. aisles, stairs) and keep them free of debris, trash, spills or fallen merchandise.
- Lie floor mats and carpets flat, without ripples or curled edges, and make sure they are slide-resistant.
- Clear all exit paths of obstructions.
- Stack merchandise in a stable manner that's easy to reach.
- Remove protruding objects (that can block walkways) from displays, counters, tables and floor stacks.
- Maintain at least 30" of clearance around all sources of ignition such as heaters, boilers and electrical panels.
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Box Cutter Safety - Position the carton at an angle to your body so that the cutter will not be moving directly towards you.
- Position your other hand on the opposite side of the carton.
- Make a smooth cut, then turn the carton a quarter revolution. Make another smooth cut, then turn the carton again.
Check the condition of a box cutter's blade frequently. Dull blades require more pressure and increase the risk of injuries.
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Tips for Proper Lifting - Size up the load. If it looks too heavy, use lifting equipment or ask for help.
- Check the route to make sure it's free of obstructions, water and other trip-and-fall hazards.
- Place your feet close to the object, bend your knees and get a firm hand hold. Lift smoothly, primarily using your leg muscles.
- Lift straight up, keeping the load close to your body without twisting or turning.
- Turn your body by changing foot position as you start walking, rather than twisting.
- Set down the load slowly, bending your knees. Do not let go until you've lowered it securely onto the floor.
- Transport carts and wheel racks by pushing-not pulling.
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Do's and Don'ts of Safe Stocking DO: - Lay pallets flat.
- Use stock trucks or carts whenever possible.
- Load stock trucks or carts so they pass through aisles or doorways with ease.
- Break down empty boxes and containers; discard them promptly so they don't accumulate.
DON'T: - Stack merchandise in aisles, stairs or in front of exits.
- Use boxes, pallets or other items in place of a ladder.
- Overreach when stocking. Stretching may result in falls or strains.
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Receiving Dock Safety - Keep the dock area clear of racks, displays and other items or debris.
- Clean any spills or wet areas that can cause a slip-and-fall injury.
- Check all pallet jacks before use.
- Use the stairs to go from ground level to the dock, or vice versa. Don't try to hoist yourself up or jump from the dock to ground level.
- Never ride a pallet jack or forklift.
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"Save MY BACK" -- Safe Lifting Tips
