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  Retail workers are met with many different safety hazards while in the workplace. Some of these hazards are presented by customers. Other safety hazards come from the retail work environment. Workers should consult with their supervisor to receive a complete list of safety topics and rules for their retail position.
  
  

Robbery

• A large fear of retail workers is being robbed while on the job. Should this situation occur, the employee should protect himself and his customer(s). Employees should not try to secure or protect the cash register. They should take note of as many details of the assailant as possible during the robbery while complying with the assailant's instructions to help diffuse the chance of aggressive behavior on the part of the robber or the customers. Contact authorities immediately after the assailant leaves and try to keep the customers calm until help arrives.
  
  

Bio-Hazard

• Retail workers are sometimes exposed to hazardous biological elements, particularly workers in retail clothing where customers are allowed to handle the merchandise. These workers may encounter blood or other bodily fluids that could contain harmful elements. When encountering suspicious liquids, employees should handle the items or areas affected with gloves and follow company procedure for disposal or cleaning of hazardous items. Keep these items away from customers or where they could accidentally be touched by coworkers.
  
  

Weight Restrictions

• Many retail positions require workers to be able to lift and move boxes, equipment, or fixtures on a regular basis. Workers should lift heavy objects with the focus on their legs, not their arms or back. Workers consistently lifting heavy objects should wear a back brace to protect their muscles and spine. A worker who cannot meet weight requirements for objects that could be lifted on a daily basis should inform their supervisor immediately to gain assistance.
  
  

Broken Items

• A common workplace safety hazard for retail employees is the handling of broken items. In any type of retail there is an ever-present risk of encountering broken material such as glass, fixtures and ceramics. Employees should handle all breakable items carefully. Open boxes with care and give items a cursory inspection to make sure that there are no broken parts before reaching in to handle them. When encountering a broken item, first keep customers away from the area. Second, carefully collect and dispose of the broken pieces in a solid container, not a bag, so that there is no chance of other employees being injured by sharp shards.
  
  

Hazardous Weather

• Retail employees may face safety issues when working during hazardous weather. Check with your supervisor to see if your company has a plan for handling dangerous weather situations such as flooding, hurricanes or tornadoes, and blizzards. In the event that the power goes out in your retail location, secure the cash register, the doors, and make sure that all customers safely exit the store. In case of a weather situation that requires evacuation, make sure that the customers are out of the store first, secure the store as quickly as possible by collecting funds in the store, locking up valuables, and making sure that the doors and windows are secure. If the situation requires immediate action due to a flood or tornado, your customers and staff should be your first priority. Consult with your supervisor to learn what your company policy is concerning hazardous weather situations.