The most common hazards in the retail industry are:
- Lifting and pushing - eg. handling heavy or awkward sized objects
- Slips, trips, falls - eg. slipping on a wet surface or falling from a ladder
- Machinery - eg. using a bread slicer or power tools
- Occupational violence - eg. abusive customers or dealing with robbers
- Chemicals - eg. using cleaning products or spills from chemical products
Full Answer
What are the most common hazards in retail?
These retail workplace hazards are often the result of improper training, failure to use necessary personal protection equipment, a failure to follow established safety procedures, and employees who are in a hurry and taking shortcuts. Forklifts and Pallet Jacks.
How do Accidents impact a retail store’s Bottom Line?
Accidents can impact a retail stores bottom line hard. While the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to ensure the safety of their workers, it is up to retailers to also provide a safe shopping environment for their customers.
How to keep your customers safe in the retail industry?
Keeping your customers safe is a priority for any retail establishment. Taking extra precautions to ensure your store is free from hazards will not only keep your customers safe but will reduce the chances that you’ll have to face a costly liability claim.
Why is prevention through design important for retail stores?
While Prevention through Design concepts help eliminate danger before equipment gets to stores, the daily slip, trip and fall hazards inside retail stores include liquid or powder spills, objects in walkways, inappropriate footwear, uneven surfaces, and distracted people.
What is a hazard in a retail store?
Slips, trips and falls, lifting and carrying heavy loads, and standing for long periods of time are just some of the ways that retail workers can be injured at work.
What safety hazards do you think retail store employees could encounter?
The Top 10 Retail Workplace HazardsOverexertion Injuries. ... Lifting and Handling Materials. ... Slips, Trips, and Falls. ... Stress at Work. ... Being Struck by or Against. ... Knives, Box Cutters, and Other Sharps. ... Forklifts and Pallet Jacks. ... Loud or Intermittent Noise.More items...•
What are the five main safety hazards we are concerned with?
What are the 5 major hazards in the workplace?Falls and Falling Objects.Chemical Exposure.Fire Hazards.Electrical Hazards.Repetitive Motion Injury.
What are the common safety concerns in a retail store and how can we prevent it?
Shop EquipmentEvaluate and manage the risks of electrical injury from equipment.Evaluate and manage the risks of injury from moving parts.Consider the risk of injury from broken or jagged fixtures.Consider the likelihood of merchandise falling from shelves.Remove defective equipment from use.More items...
What risks do retail stores face?
Retail risk management: The top 6 threatsTheft of physical items. Shoplifters and other criminals remain a major headache for traditional retail store operators. ... Data breaches and digital theft. ... Inventory damage. ... Customer injuries. ... Failing to monitor competitors. ... Forced closure.
What are the 5 types of hazards?
HazardsChemicals.Ergonomic.Health.Physical.Psychosocial.Safety.Workplace.
What are some examples of safety hazards?
Safety Hazards Include: Working from heights, including ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any raised work area. Unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts; guards removed or moving parts that a worker can accidentally touch. Electrical hazards like frayed cords, missing ground pins, improper wiring. Confined spaces.
What are the 7 types of hazards in the workplace?
The 7 common workplace hazards are:Safety hazards.Biological hazards.Physical hazards.Ergonomic hazards.Chemical hazards.Work organization hazards.Environmental hazards.
What are the 6 types of hazards?
Types of Hazard1) Safety hazards. Safety hazards can affect any employee, but these are more likely to affect those who work with machinery or on a construction site. ... 2) Biological hazards. Biological hazards are extremely dangerous. ... 3) Physical hazards. ... 4) Ergonomic hazards. ... 5) Chemical hazards. ... 6) Workload hazards.
What is retail store safety checklist?
Install proper emergency exit signage. Eliminate tripping hazards. Keep floors clean and dry. Protect walls, doors, shelving, and other store equipment with wall guards or corner guards.
What are the types of hazards in a grocery store?
Common hazards that workers in supermarkets are exposed to include:demanding customers.long hours standing.sustained awkward positions.lifting and moving heavy objects.exposure to vibration.irregular shift work.working alone.being hit by mobile plant.
What are the hazards in a supermarket?
These include the Simple Safety toolkit, which provides employers with clear checklists and advice sheets for some of the more common retail hazards....RetailManual Handling.Slips, trips and falls.Workplace Vehicles.Fire.Lone Working.
What are some of the most common security risks within the retail workplace?
Today, we look at some of the most common threats to retail and what you can do to protect your business.Customer injury. ... Theft. ... Unexpected interruptions. ... Data breaches. ... Employee injury. ... Property damage. ... Protecting your risks.
What are the types of hazards in a grocery store?
Common hazards that workers in supermarkets are exposed to include:demanding customers.long hours standing.sustained awkward positions.lifting and moving heavy objects.exposure to vibration.irregular shift work.working alone.being hit by mobile plant.
What are hazards in the workplace?
Workplace hazards are the sources of potential harm or damage to someone or something in any work environment. It can be material or any activity that has the likelihood to cause injuries under specific conditions. It should be eliminated as soon as they are identified to prevent workplace incidents or fatalities.
What is retail store safety checklist?
Install proper emergency exit signage. Eliminate tripping hazards. Keep floors clean and dry. Protect walls, doors, shelving, and other store equipment with wall guards or corner guards.
Why do most injuries occur in retail?
Most injuries occur because of the repetitive nature and manual lifting inherent in retail work . Risk management involves many factors: Prevention through Design, innovation, training and hazard removal. Slip, trip and fall hazards are in every part of stores, thus incidences of slips, trips and falls are growing.
What do people expect when they go shopping?
When people go shopping, they likely aren’t worried about getting hurt or becoming ill at their local supermarket, big-box electronics store or home improvement center. Customers expect these places to have dry floors, clear paths, well-stocked shelves, and parking areas un obstructed by carts and free of broken pavement and icy surfaces.
How can teamwork improve safety?
Leyenberger said another way teamwork can improve safety is equipment design . Cashiers, for example, engage in hours of repetitive motion, so Walmart engineers worked with an equipment supplier to make the checkout area as ergonomic as possible. A lazy Susan for bagging resulted in less lifting, as customers moved full bags from the lazy Susan to their carts.
How to improve safety and health?
He believes the industry needs a better grasp on: 1 Ways to frame workplace safety and health messages for employers and owners about the benefits of implementing safety and health improvements and establishing workplace safety and health programs. 2 Research to demonstrate the effectiveness of engineering controls and how improvements in employee work practices can reduce retail injuries and illnesses. 3 Research to advance knowledge of the role of organizational and stress-related risk factors in the prevention of ergonomic and safety-related injuries among retail employees. 4 Organizational risk factors in retail workplaces to improve the understanding of how they affect retail employees. Studies have shown organizational risk factors include excessive job demands, hostile work environment, low job control, low supervisory support, poor safety climate and work-life interference.
What is the purpose of research in retail?
Research to demonstrate the effectiveness of engineering controls and how improvements in employee work practices can reduce retail injuries and illnesses. Research to advance knowledge of the role of organizational and stress-related risk factors in the prevention of ergonomic and safety-related injuries among retail employees.
When was ergonomics for retail stores published?
In 2004, OSHA published “Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders,” and in 2014, NIOSH released “Ergonomic Solutions for Retailers: Prevention of Material Handling Injuries in the Grocery Sector.” The author of the latter is Vern Putz Anderson, a NIOSH public health advisor and program coordinator for NIOSH’s Wholesale and Retail Trade program.
What is an example of safety meshing with other departments?
He cited an example from Walmart illustrating how safety can mesh with other departments for the good of all: the ordering of popcorn tins , which are popular during the winter holidays.
What are the top ten retail hazards that are most likely to impact safety in the workplace?
According to the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), a division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH) the following are the top ten retail hazards that are most likely to impact safety in the workplace: - Sponsors -. Overexertion Injuries.
What are the most common injuries in retail?
Some of the most common and preventable injuries are cuts and lacerations. These retail workplace hazards are often the result of improper training, failure to use necessary personal protection equipment, a failure to follow established safety procedures, and employees who are in a hurry and taking shortcuts. Forklifts and Pallet Jacks.
What are the hazards of a forklift?
Many workplace hazards are caused by the moving parts of mechanical devices. Mechanical hazards cause bending, punching, pulling, caught-in, caught-on, and crush accidents that can cut, crush, break bones, ...
What are the risks of lifting and handling materials?
Improper lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering and twisting can cause strains, sprains, and other serious injuries. Improper techniques, physical capabilities, preexisting conditions and other related issues can contribute to potential risks.
What is the dynamic of retail?
The dynamic of the retail operation is a complicated web of activity. Minds, machines, individuals, and technologies are all expected to work in concert as the controlled chaos of the retail enterprise marches forward. To keep it all running smoothly, it is critical that we remain on a safe and productive path.
When was Safety Enhancement updated?
This post was originally published in 2017 and was updated in July 2020 and July 2021.
Can you fall due to a trip?
Slips, Trips, and Falls. Both employees and customers may fall due to trips and slips, and many can be avoided with proper care, maintenance, and housekeeping. The severity of the injury is typically based on the velocity of the impact (how far and how fast you fall); the hardness and other characteristics (smooth, rough, etc.) of the surface that you land on; and the orientation of the body upon impact.
How to prevent electrical fires in retail stores?
Practice electrical fire hazard prevention in retail stores by requiring each department’s manager on duty (MOD) to inspect electrical outlets, sockets, and plugs daily. Be sure to also clean away dust and debris and check your electronics and appliance departments for faulty wiring or overload.
What are the hazards of shipping boxes?
Shipping boxes generate dust, the furnace and HVAC create dust, merchandise itself, dirt and pollen from foot traffic, and many other activities generate dust that when built-up on surfaces , can be ignited by a spark. Be sure to minimize dust in your retail chains.
How to keep fires from coming into contact with electrical outlets?
Stop trash from overflowing and put it in the dumpster as needed rather than just near the door. This maintains clear doorways and evacuation paths in case of emergency. This also stops paper and other flammables from coming into contact with equipment such as electrical outlets, the furnace or air conditioner, electric appliances, overheated motors, and open flames. Maintaining clean, uncluttered sales floor and employee work areas keeps the fire load to a minimum.
What are the dangers of electrical sockets?
Electrical Sources & Sockets Fire Danger. One of the leading causes of commercial fires and one of the most easily avoided fire hazards is electrical source fires. Loose wiring, damaged plugs and power sockets, and overloaded power sockets can be problematic and represent major hazards in the retail industry.
What are the hazards of gas lines?
Most large retail stores encounter extreme commercial fire hazards with gas lines, liquid gas, or propane that run their heating and cooling sources , motors for overhead doors, forklifts, trucks, and other equipment, as well as kitchen appliances, and in some cases, tools and outdoor appliances. These and other flammable liquids can ignite instantly when in contact with a spark or open flame. If these are in your stores, they can represent significant retail hazards.
Why do power sockets overheat?
Overloading power sockets and overheating is increasingly common due to the number of computers, the use of extension cords, and too many appliances plugged into the same source. When an overheated socket or plug encounters paper, a fire can start rapidly.
What are the dangers of trash?
Retail stores have massive amounts of trash – all of which is incendiary. Cardboard, plastic, paper, peanuts, and other packing materials can build up and be at risk of ignition. Break room, warehouse, and storage areas also generate a copious amount of trash. If it is not disposed of regularly and properly, trash can create plenty of fuel for a potential fire should it come into contact with a spark or heat source. A discarded cigarette near rubbish could result in a rapid fire that could be out of control in seconds.
How to ensure the safety of your customers?
Other ways to ensure the safety of your customers is by keeping shopping carts away from your doors and utilizing headsets or radios for staff communication. Keeping your customers safe is a priority for any retail establishment.
Why is falling merchandise dangerous?
Falling merchandise is a common cause of injury in retail store settings. It is essential to properly fasten fixtures securely to your walls and avoid overcrowding them with products explains the experts at Zurich Services.
How to maintain order in a store?
To help maintain order, you may want to consider hiring extra staff or scheduling security to help guide shoppers during the rush. You should also place checkout rope lines away from your store’s entryway and post signs to help guide bargain seekers. Other ways to ensure the safety of your customers is by keeping shopping carts away from your doors and utilizing headsets or radios for staff communication.
Why use retail sign holders?
Use retail sign holders to give customers proper notice of potential hazards. Your sales floor isn’t the only place you need to look for hazards, overhead signs that are not adequately fastened to the ceiling grids can fall, and signs that are hung too low also pose a safety risk.
How to prevent slip and fall accidents?
You can reduce the amount of dirt and water tracked into your store by using floor mats. Using mats with non-skid backs can reduce the amount of water and dirt tracked in by 91%. Train employees to promptly clean up spills, and post caution signs in areas that are prone to slipperiness. To help eliminate tripping hazards, keep your aisles clear of boxes and merchandise.
How to reduce water and dirt in a store?
You can reduce the amount of dirt and water tracked into your store by using floor mats. Using mats with non-skid backs can reduce the amount of water and dirt tracked in by 91%. Train employees to promptly clean up spills, and post caution signs in areas that are prone to slipperiness.
Why is fixing it in place important?
Fix It in Place: Fixture Safety and Stability is Important to Your Retail Front. Accidents can impact a retail stores bottom line hard. While the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to ensure the safety of their workers, it is up to retailers to also provide a safe shopping environment for their customers.
What is violence in retail?from osha.mddsz.gov.si
Violence from customers is all-too-common in the retail sector. Attacks can occur when staff have to deal with thefts and robberies, troublemakers, angry customers and drunk or drugged customers. Violence against staff includes attacks, intimidation, verbal abuse and harassment, and can make you anxious and stressed . It should not be seen as part of the job and you should not be blamed if you are involved in an incident. Preventing violence includes paying attention to: environmental design, safety and security devices, staffing levels, work practices, reporting, guidelines and training.
What is a fire hazard?from elitefire.co.uk
A fire hazard could manifest itself in a number of different ways. Anything that represents a source of ignition, fuel or oxygen that is left exposed could be a threat, as can any item that obstructs evacuation in any manner.
Why is a fire risk assessment important?from elitefire.co.uk
As well as being a requirement by law, carrying out a fire risk assessment is also the best way to safeguard a retail environment from the common hazards that lead to a fire.
What are the most common causes of injury?from osha.mddsz.gov.si
Slips and trips are a very common cause of injury, both to staff and customers. Wet or uneven floors, spillages and things being left on the floor are among the main causes. You should:
Why is lifting and carrying dangerous?from osha.mddsz.gov.si
Lifting and carrying is a common cause of injury among shop workers. The weight of the load, how far it has to be moved and how often, its stability, its shape and size, and whether you have to twist or stretch to lift it all affect the risks involved. Cramped storage areas, unstable racking, unsafe ladders and poor planning (such as putting heavy loads on top shelves) will increase the risk of injury. Your employer should take steps to remove the need for manual lifting, and reduce the risk you face in the remaining tasks23:
Is waste packaging a combustible hazard?from elitefire.co.uk
Any kind of waste packaging or other refuse that builds up inside or outside a building could be considered a combustible hazard, while simultaneously providing a potential obstruction to either escape from the building or for emergency vehicles attending the blaze.
Is cooking oil a fire hazard?from elitefire.co.uk
Kitchen areas within shops, while not as big a focus as in the catering/hospitality industries, can still present an obvious fire hazard. Negligence while using an open flame or hot cooking oil is a serious danger, while blocked filters and ventilation areas can see a buildup of combustible materials in close proximity to a source of ignition.
How to communicate in store?
The easiest way to communicate your in-store message is with impactful signage. Let customers know what you’re doing to help provide them with the items they need while keeping them safe. Shoppers are accustomed to helping themselves to baked goods, beverages or hot foods, use signage to remind them that you’re there to help serve them at this time. You have their safety in mind. Verbiage that’s direct and supportive with clear imagery is always the way to go.
Why are grocery stores installing sneeze screens?
These barriers are a smart way to prevent the spread of germs associated with the coronavirus.
