Stepladders
In retail, many falls involve stepladders. Stepladders are in all Next stores, so most people treat them as a safe convenience rather than a potential hazard. Every year employees at Next get injuries from step ladders being used inappropriately. Injuries occur when the worker falls from the ladder, the ladder tips over or collapses, or fingers are caught when folding up the ladder.
Safety tips
Look closely at the ladder before using it to ensure that no parts are broken, cracked, or missing. If there is a problem, don’t use the ladder — report it to your supervisor.
Place the ladder on a firm, level surface.
Make sure it is fully opened, with the spreaders locked in place. Never use a stepladder folded up and leaning against a surface.
Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (for example, one hand and two feet).
Keep your centre of gravity between the side rails, especially if you are carryingn materials.
Don’t lean out to one side.
Don’t stand on the shelf or top two steps.
Violence at Next
Employees in the retail industry experience more cases of violence than workers in many other industries.
Preventing confrontations
Greet customers and make eye contact when they enter the store.
Before a person is left to work alone, check that all the doors and windows are locked and that no one is in the washroom or storage room.
Do not resist if there is a threat of violence.
Dealing with irate customers
If you work in retail, it is almost inevitable that you will have to deal with an irate customer at some point. Follow these guidelines for dealing with irate customers:
Focus on the emotions first, try to remain calm, and try to calm the other person.
Try to avoid escalating the situation. Find ways to help the irate customer save face.
Listen carefully and try to put yourself in the customer’s shoes, so you can better understand how to solve the problem.
If you can’t address their concern, take the customer’s name and number and promise to forward the information to your manager or supervisor.
If you cannot calm the person, ask for help.
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