The manager at our neighboring Trader Joe’s was firing up the grill on Saturday to treat his staff to brats (it’s a Wisconsin thing).  I asked was the occasion was, and he said they had just gone 90 days without an injury.  We don’t think of retailing as being inherently dangerous, but his statement got me thinking about how important it is to make sure that none of our employees or customers gets hurt.

Here are  a few precautions that worth taking:

• provide good tools and lighting in the area where stock is unpacked
• encourage safe lifting practices for heavy boxes
• keep stairs and doorways free of clutter
• clear snow and ice from entries and exits (that’s a Wisconsin thing too)
• discourage those with contagious diseases from coming to work, providing some paid sick leave if you can
• give employees breaks from prolonged standing or repetitive motions
• reduce stress by showing appreciation for employees’ work
• keep chemicals and cleaning agents stored safely

Take a walk through your store, and around the premises, from time to time to look for impediments and other dangers.  And be sure to have first aid supplies on hand for simple injuries. It’s important that your staff knows where they are kept — and how to use them — just in case an accident happens.

Happy Retailing,

Carol “Orange” Schroeder