Richard Bevan, Health and Safety Co-ordinator at Winnipeg-based Canada Safeway Limited, says heavy lifting is the number one source of injuries at Safeway. He says one of the few ways to solve this problem is to "teach proper lifting techniques on a regular basis."
According to the Safety & Health Guide for New Retail Workers, compiled by Retail Council of Canada and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, here are a number of ways retailers can reduce lifting injuries:
- Hold the object you are lifting as close to your body as possible.
- Locate objects within easy reach.
- Change work area layout to reduce lifting distances.
- Provide mechanical aids for lifting and train workers to use them properly.
- Eliminate deep shelves to avoid bending.
- Alternate heavy tasks with lighter ones.
- Educate workers on proper lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques.
- Get help from others.
Musculoskeletal injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are common among cashiers and other retail workers.
"They’re the bane of our existence," says Bevan. "There’s no easy solution." |
Bevan says Safeway trains new cashiers on how to properly process merchandise at the checkout. The problem is that when lineups grow and cashiers work faster, they fall into old habits and make themselves susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries.
Retailers can help reduce injuries by reminding employees of proper posture on a regular basis. Bevan says Safeway’s corporate office carries the cost of this training to ensure it gets done.
Because these injuries develop over time, they are easily cured in the early stages. Find ways to decrease routine motion for employees.
Slips, trips and falls. Slips, trips and falls are a common category of workplace injuries. You can reduce slips by placing strips in slippery sections of the store, such as near the produce section, outdoor surfaces, stairs and ramps. Make cleaning up spills an unbreakable law.
Equipment training. Teach employees how to handle equipment properly. Box cutters, cardboard compactors, knives, meat saws, hot ovens and walk-in refrigerators pose serious dangers to untrained staff. Post safety signs and instructions and regularly remind employees to protect themselves from these hazards.
And don’t forget ladders, a common risk in the retail setting. Even the most agile employees can hurt themselves rushing up and down ladders in footwear that is inappropriate for climbing. Ensure employees know how to stay safe on ladders and always provide them with functioning ladders. |
