Chapter 2: Workplace Safety

Accident prevention is a basic requirement of your position as a merchandiser. You will be held accountable for unsafe behavior. It is the responsibility of each merchandiser to accept and follow their company’s established safety regulations and procedures. Working safely is a requirement of the job. Merchandisers are expected to assist management in accident prevention activities. Unsafe conditions must be reported immediately. No employees are expected to work in an unsafe environment.

Most people blame accidents on unsafe conditions. But, in truth, most accidents are caused by unsafe behaviors. The best way to eliminate accidents is to avoid unsafe practices.

Housekeeping is a continuous process needed to keep the workplace free of debris and other hazards while putting all things in their proper place. Periodic inspections should be performed to review housekeeping practices and identify workplace hazards. It is the responsibility of every employee to observe good housekeeping practices at all times. Some housekeeping tips are:

• Keep work areas clean and orderly. Totes, bunkers (carts), flat-tops and other equipment must be pushed to one side of the aisle while you are working. The aisle must be open to customers and easily accessible.
• Store all tools, equipment and supplies in their proper place. When a box cutter is not in use, the blade must be kept in the closed position, locked with the guard in place. Razor blades are strictly prohibited.
• Wipe up all spills or notify your supervisory if additional help is needed.
• Place trash in the proper trash containers. Boxes should be placed beside the baler, not in the baler.
• Do not stack totes more than four high. When a tote is full, place it out of the aisle in its designated storage area. Use dollies or flat-tops to transport heavier totes or more than one at a time. Keep your back straight while you are pushing a dolly. Hold the handle with one hand and place the other hand on the top tote for balance. Do not overload hand dollies, flat-tops, or bunkers (carts). When in doubt, always ask for assistance.

Some of the more common accidents in the retail business include:

• falling on a slippery surface or stairs
• lifting injuries
• falling from a ladder or chair
• tripping on a rough surface
• sprains and strains
• cutting injuries (box cutters)

Slips, Trips & Falls
Slips, trips and falls are among the most serious accidents that occur in retail stores and similar work environments. Some precautions include:

• Wearing proper shoes that enable you to move comfortably and maintain firm footing — open-toed shoes or sandals are not acceptable. Make sure the soles of the shoes are designed for the surface you are working on. The wrong type of sole can actually add to the hazards you face on the job.
• Be aware of floor surfaces ; clean up spills as soon as possible.
• Know the clean up procedure for chemical spills.
• If you see a spill, make sure it is cleaned up. Don’t ignore the spill. If you fail to clean it up or notify someone that the spill exists, someone else may slip and fall.
• Keep aisles and doorways clear of boxes, product, fixtures, and tools.

Lifting Injuries:
Improper lifting is the greatest single cause of back pain and injury, so it is important that merchandisers learn and practice good lifting techniques. Remember, if you think you need help in lifting, make sure you ask for it!

Some hazards to watch for in lifting are:

• Heavy lifting
• Twisting & lifting at the same time
• Reaching for objects instead of using a ladder
• Bending and overextending

Correct Lifting Techniques:

• Stand close to the object you are lifting and plant both feet firmly on the floor, about shoulder-width apart. Point your toes out.
• Squat down close to the object with your back straight, knees bent and stomach muscles tight.
• Grip the object firmly with both hands, not just your fingers.
• Stand up slowly, keeping your back straight and letting your legs do the lifting.
• Avoid bending from the waist. Keep your knees bent and back straight when lifting from the ground.
• Reverse the above procedures to put the load down.
• Don’t jump! A jump from a short height (such as the back of a trailer or loading dock) can cause serious injury.

Unloading Trailers:

• Use a stepladder to gain access to the trailer — never use a pallet as a ladder.
• Watch for improperly stacked items, they may become falling objects.
• Do not jump down from the back of the trailer. Use a ladder.

Ladders:
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) estimates that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities per year due to falls from stairways and ladders.

• Ladders should be inspected before each use. Broken ladders should be taken out of service immediately.
• Ladders must be maintained free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.
• Make sure that the ladder you are using is the appropriate size for the job.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
You should know how to protect yourself from the potential hazards of your work environment. You can reduce any danger by using personal protective equipment while working in your merchandising position. Here are some things to consider:

• While working with chemicals, always read the container label. Even small spills in the retail environment can lead to harmful human exposure. Use proper protective equipment for your work environment.
• When power tools are in use, the merchandiser should be wearing eye protection.
• Gloves should be worn when unloading, handling or assembling any heavy-duty fixtures and when working with refrigerated/frozen food products.
• Knee pads are recommended for extended kneeling.
• Wear gloves when using box cutters. Use one sided blades with safety handles. Cut in a direction away from your body. Store sharp blades in a safe manner when not in use. Never leave a sharp blade unattended on the sales floor.

Safety Check-List

• Don’t overestimate your own strength.
• Walk, don’t run, to prevent slips and falls.
• Use equipment — hand trucks, dollies vs. lifting when possible.
• Break a large load into smaller loads.
• Remove any objects you might trip over.
• Check the object you’ll be carrying for rough or jagged edges.
• Make sure the moving equipment works properly before using it to move product.
• Change your working positions frequently. (Chronic strain due to an unchanging work position can weaken your back, arms, and shoulders.)
• Adjust working heights to prevent slumping or excessive reaching.
• Stretch during the day to increase your flexibility.
• Take body relaxation breaks. Let your shoulders and neck muscles go limp, swivel your head or arms, flex your hands and fingers.
• Wear gloves with a good grip.
• Wear safety shoes with reinforced toes and non-skid soles.
• Push — don’t pull if the load is too heavy or too large.
• Have a first aid kit in an accessible location.
• If you are taking medications, be aware of its effect on performance and take precautions.
• Do not work if you are ill or impaired by fatigue.
• Ask your co-workers for assistance.

Driving
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. Your company knows that you may be required to use your personal car or a company vehicle while performing your job responsibilities. Merchandisers should:

• Always wear a seat belt when driving. Insist that all your passengers also wear their seat belts.
• Make sure you drive the speed limit.
• Do not drive if you are tired. Inform your supervisor to see if another driver is available.
• Plan enough time to arrive at your work site.
• Observe all traffic ordinances while driving a company-owned or leased vehicle. You are responsible for all traffic violations that occur while you are driving for work.
• Follow your company’s policy on reporting traffic violations and accidents
• Do not drink and drive while working. This includes after-hours drinking and driving if you are staying overnight in a company-paid hotel. Legally, you are still responsible to follow your company’s policy of driving safely even though you’re not officially on a work site.
• Know your company’s policy on cell phone use in the car. Be aware of any state laws prohibiting or restricting the use of cell phones while driving.

Merchandisers must know their company’s procedure for reporting accidents. Accidents must be reported immediately to the proper person in charge.

When you have completed this chapter, click here to begin Chapter 3; Standards of Conduct.