Managing health and safety in a retail setting requires sustained effort, time, and appropriate resources to build and maintain effective systems. During the busy holiday season, even the most prepared businesses can face setbacks if safety is not effectively prioritised and maintained.
The Dangers of Peak Season
WorkSafe Victoria has previously warned that “the holiday season can be the most dangerous time of year” for retail businesses. With increased customer traffic and work demands, employees may rush or take shortcuts, greatly increasing the chances of accidents and injuries. Mistakes made under pressure can lead to serious consequences, including significant injuries.
Regulators have previously launched their retail inspection programs during this peak time to address these heightened risks. There has been previous emphasis placed on three critical areas: managing customer aggression, safe handling of stock, and the effective induction and orientation of new hires.
Common Retail Hazards to Manage
Retailers must focus on the common hazards that frequently occur in their industry, especially during peak trading times. The following are the common causes of injuries in the retail trade:
- Lifting and Moving Heavy Objects: Handling bulky or heavy stock is a leading cause of injuries in retail.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Hazards such as uneven or slippery floors and poorly stored stock can result in slips and trips.
- Repetitive Movements: Actions like reaching for products, scanning items, or restocking can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
- Handling Equipment: Incorrect use of trolleys, ladders, and other equipment can result in accidents.
- Cuts and Burns: Retail environments with food preparation areas pose additional risks, such as cuts or burns.
- Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals: Improper storage and handling of cleaning supplies or chemicals can lead to exposure.
- Work-Related Stress: Seasonal retail can involve increased stress from customer aggression, harassment, and pressure to meet high demand.
- Falls from Heights: Using ladders or climbing to reach high shelves can be dangerous without proper procedures.
By addressing these common hazards, retailers can ensure a safer work environment, reducing the risk of accidents during the holiday season.
Ensuring Safe Induction for New Hires
With the holiday season comes an increased need for temporary employees, often casual workers who are hired to handle the additional customer demand. However, these employees may not always receive the same level of training or supervision as full-time staff. This poses a significant risk if temporary workers are not adequately informed about workplace safety protocols.
Providing detailed and consistent induction training helps new employees understand safety practices, appropriate equipment uses, and emergency procedures. This training is critical to minimising workplace incidents and ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
Additionally, during this busy season, it is essential to focus on managing customer aggression and safe stock handling. Increased customer volume can lead to heightened frustration and potentially aggressive behaviour. Training staff in conflict resolution and establishing clear policies to deal with abusive customers can create a safer environment. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all employees, including temporary hires, are trained in safe stock handling practices. This includes the proper use of mechanical aids like trolleys and ladders and understanding task-specific safe work procedures. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, leading to a safer workplace overall.
The holiday season brings both opportunities and risks for retailers. By focusing on critical areas such as managing customer aggression, ensuring proper stock handling, and providing thorough induction for all employees, retailers can help prevent accidents and create a safer, more productive work environment. Maintaining high safety standards is not just about regulatory compliance, it is about protecting your workforce and ensuring a successful holiday season for everyone.
Guidance Material
These resources offer practical guidance for minimising hazards and staying compliant throughout the peak season.
- WorkSafe Victoria – Retail: Safety Basics
- SafeWork NSW – Retail Trade Safety Guidelines
- WorkSafe QLD – Retail Trade
Disclaimer
The material within this update is provided for general information and educational purposes in summary form on topics that are current when it is first published. The content does not constitute legal advice or recommendations and should not be relied upon as such.
