Working in retail can be a great summer job, or a great career choice. We want to make sure that you are properly prepared to excel in this environment, so let’s look at some of the hazards, and how to avoid them.

Slips, trips and falls account for many injuries in the retail space, mostly due to wet floors, cluttered areas, and uneven surfaces.

Employees should remember to:

  • Wear non-slip footwear.
  • Keep high-traffic areas and walking paths free of debris and clutter.
  • Use a dolly to transport items if they are too heavy.
  • Have a clear field of vision when carrying items.
  • Place the heaviest items at waist height on stock shelves.
  • Use a stepladder of the proper height to reach items on top shelves.

Machinery like forklifts and pallet jacks are often used in warehouses or stocking areas in retail environments. If you are asked to use one of these, remember that you will require special training beforehand.

Employees should remember to:

Harassment can unfortunately come with jobs heavy on customer service. Your employer should have policies in place about dealing with angry customers, and preventing employee harassment or violence. Harassment doesn’t typically turn into violence, except in extreme cases, but can be very hurtful and malicious.

Employees should remember to:

  • Make eye contact with customers and greet them politely.
  • Tell any harassers to stop, and report the incident to your supervisor.
  • Record the incident on paper.

Stepladders are always useful in a store, but using one can result in a fall. They have also been known to crush fingers when folded.

Employees should remember to:

  • Inspect the ladder before placing it to make sure there is no damage that could result in the ladder breaking while in use.
  • Ensure the ladder is set up on a flat, even surface.
  • Lock the spreaders in place if it has that option.
  • Never stand on the top two steps, or the shelf (if applicable).
  • Maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder (if it is not a short stepladder).
  • Don’t carry items that are too heavy or awkward when going up or down the ladder.

Biological hazards in a retail environment include things like parasites, viruses, mould and infection. These hazards can come from the ventilation system, hand-to-hand contact with customers, cleaning bathrooms, and small cuts and scrapes.

Employees should remember to:

  • Wash or sanitize their hands after handling payment cards or money.
  • Do not touch your face with your hands unless they have been properly sanitized.
  • Wear masks and waterproof gloves when cleaning bathrooms.
  • Don’t pick up contaminated sharp objects unless you have been trained to do this. Report it to your supervisor immediately.
  • If you come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids, get first aid as quickly as possible.

MSIs (musculoskeletal injuries) are extremely common in retail workplaces. They can come from lifting, repetitive movements, and overexertion. Symptoms of MSIs include: swelling, tingling, stiffness, pain, and redness. The sooner you start trying to prevent and/or take care of these injuries, the better your body will recover.

Employees should remember to:

  • Take breaks to move around and stretch.
  • Take frequent breaks when doing repetitive tasks, or swap tasks with other employees regularly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Move their feet to change positions rather than twist their bodies.
  • Use tools or automation that prevent MSIs where possible.
  • Use proper lifting techniques.

Sharps, like box cutters or knives are often used in stores, and should be treated with caution.

Employees should remember to:

  • Inspect these tools to make sure they are sharp. Dull knives can result in injuries as well.
  • Cut objects in a motion that moves away from their bodies.
  • Store sharps safely away from customers, and other tools.
  • Wear gloves if required.

Theft is constant concern for retail employees, and can result in confrontation. You should never approach someone you suspect of theft of or shoplifting, or try to stop them alone.

Employees should remember to:

  • Keep the store well lit.
  • Contact security immediately if you suspect someone of theft.
  • Keep the cash register contents to a minimum – make frequent deposits to a lock box or safe.

Remember that any job, whether it’s a summer job, or a permanent position, comes with hazards. Always prepare yourself, and step into the position educated and empowered. If you need more information on spotting and reporting hazards, or your rights and responsibilities as an employee, please consider registering for our free workplace safety courses today.