The retail industry is like none other. It's fast-paced, physically demanding, requires constant social interaction and on some days, say Black Friday, it can be downright crazy!
In an industry so action-packed, occasional injuries may seem inevitable. However, with the proper safety precautions and tools you can help mitigate potential dangers, greatly reducing accidents.
In this article, we'll explore one such tool, hazard communication barriers, and how these indispensable safeguards can help retailers overcome common safety risks, such as:
- Falls due to tripping hazards
- Crowd control safety concerns
- Area closure due to cleaning or maintenance
Areas of Risk
1. Tripping Hazards
Falls due to tripping on floor debris are one of the most common liabilities retail employers encounter. Risks are everywhere and it only takes a split second for a customer or an employee to go head over heels.
Identifying and avoiding tripping hazards requires some extra care and attention. It's important to remain present and alert on the job. Look around you, taking note of any discarded items, clutter or spills on the floor and remove these risks as soon as possible.
When stocking shelves do not leave unattended boxes or merchandise on the floor. An unsuspecting customer or co-worker could easily trip on these items. Instead, place items on a stable, four-wheeled cart with brakes. Conduct frequent aisle "sweeps" - quick store walkthroughs where you scan the aisles for misplaced items.
Spilt liquids are also a frequent cause of falls. Obvious contenders include grease, oil, soap or water, but floors themselves could be broken, uneven or worn, resulting in a trip hazard. Be vigilant about cleaning spills immediately.
Take action with communication barriers.
Now that we have identified common tripping risks, it's time to take action! Deploy hazard communication barriers onsite for swift risk mitigation. These retractable belt barriers quickly secure areas with temporary tripping hazards until cleanup or removal.
Communication is key here. Barriers should not only provide a physical boundary but communicate a clear safety message. Use brightly colored barriers that are eye-catching with messages that can easily be read from a distance - the simpler the message often the better. A simple "Caution" message is perfect for a variety of hazardous areas, such as spills, broken glass, aisle restocking, or uneven floors.
Consider including caution barriers in your facility's spill kit, so that when a spill occurs you have a barrier ready to deploy. Barriers are vital during spills! Not only do spills require time to clean up, but they also pose immediate risks. Without proper barriers, unsuspecting individuals may slip and fall, unaware of the hazard.
(Pictured Above: Use retractable belt barriers to effectively block entire aisle-ways when necessary for stocking or clean-up.)
2. Crowd Control
Crowd control is the practice of managing and regulating the movement, behavior, and activities of large groups of people in public spaces. The goal? To ensure everyone in your store is getting where they need to go safely.
Crowd control can begin before customers even enter the store. Plan ahead for big sale days, Black Friday, or events, where you may have large crowd of people waiting outside your establishment. A queue line at the entrance of the store can help guide people where they need to go, preventing confusion.
(Pictured Above: Sometimes barriers outside the store can be just as important as barriers inside.)
When guests enter a store, it's important they know how to navigate the space with ease. Crowd control methods, such as queue barriers, can help by creating clear pathways. Defined paths effectively direct foot traffic, keeping everyone safe and organized.
On the flip side, blocking restricted areas is equally important. Studies show that people are less likely to enter a restricted area when there is a physical barrier present. Use retractable belt barriers to secure unauthorized spaces and prevent people from wandering into potential hazards.
Lastly, the checkout line can be a busy and stressful area of any store, for visitors and employers alike. Utilizing queue line barriers is imperative to keep things running smoothly. Not only do barriers enhance efficiency, they can also improve customer satisfaction, and loss prevention in checkout lines.
Checkout queue lines are crucial for several reasons:
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Efficiency: They help streamline the checkout process by organizing customers in a structured line, reducing confusion and wait times.
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Customer Satisfaction: Well-managed queue lines contribute to a positive shopping experience by providing clear expectations and minimizing frustration associated with long, disorganized waits.
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Space Optimization: Queue lines help optimize space within retail environments, ensuring that customers can navigate aisles without obstruction while waiting to check out.
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Loss Prevention: Controlled queue lines can deter theft and unauthorized exits, as they create a controlled pathway for customers to follow before completing their transactions.
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Operational Management: Queue lines allow store staff to manage customer flow more effectively, enabling them to allocate resources, such as cashiers and checkout lanes, based on demand fluctuations throughout the day.
(Pictured Above: Belt barriers are crucial for checkout line to maintain order and traffic flow.)
3. Closed for Cleaning or Maintenance
Slippery, freshly mopped floors, broken elevators and escalators, and other out-of-order areas are perhaps the most dangerous spaces within a store. They're also impossible to avoid. At some point, some space within your store will need cleaned or worked on. Closing these areas with a physical hazard communication barrier during cleaning or maintenance work can help reduce the risk of an accident.
When choosing a hazard communication barrier for area closure it is important to consider the following:
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Durability: Ensure that the barrier is sturdy and durable enough to withstand the conditions of the environment where it will be used, including weather conditions if it will be outdoors.
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Visibility: Choose a barrier that is highly visible, with bright colors or reflective surfaces, to effectively communicate the presence of a hazard and alert people to stay away from the closed-off area.
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Frequency: How often will you use you barrier? When it comes to areas that require frequent cleanings, such as restrooms, consider a more permanent retractable barrier option such as a Fixed Wall Mount System. These barriers secure directly to the wall, ready to be deployed whenever needed.
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Portability: Consider the ease of transportation and setup of the barrier, especially if it will need to be moved frequently or deployed in different locations.
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Compatibility: Ensure that the barrier is compatible with other safety measures or equipment that may be used in conjunction with it, such as signage or locking mechanisms.
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Accessibility: Choose a barrier that allows for easy access for authorized personnel who need to enter or exit the closed-off area for maintenance, cleanup, or other necessary tasks.
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Compliance: Verify that the barrier meets relevant safety standards and regulations applicable to the specific hazard and industry in which it will be used.
(Pictured Above: Avoid accidents by closing restrooms when they are being cleaned. For spaces that require frequent cleaning consider a Fixed Wall Mount. )
Conclusion
A healthy and safe work environment is paramount for any retail space, and understanding the most common workplace hazards is critical. Hazard communication barriers are an ideal tool that can help you mitigate risks and create a better retail environment. While it may be challenging to stay on top of hazards, it can be done if taken seriously and with commitment. Taking action to protect employees and customers in retail spaces should be an ongoing goal that never ends.
Interesting in learning more? We can assist you in finding the right safety products to create a safer retail environment while meeting compliance requirements.
Contact us today so we can start discussing your safety program.
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