Developing a retail health and safety checklist focused on improving security and employee safety can help identify and address risks effectively.
Maintaining a safe and secure workplace is essential in every industry, but retail environments present unique challenges. According to the British Retail Crime Survey 2024, there are a shocking 1,300 incidents of violence and abuse towards retail employees, which is a massive increase.
What is a retail health and safety checklist?
A retail health and safety checklist is a structured tool used to assess and monitor workplace safety standards in retail settings. It helps employers identify potential hazards, implement appropriate safety measures, and ensure compliance with regulations.
A checklist addresses specific risks like workplace violence, manual handling, slips, trips and falls, fire safety, and emergency response procedures.
How to create a retail health and safety checklist
1. Identify workplace hazards
Start by conducting a risk assessment to identify hazards specific to your retail store. Common risks include:
- Violence and abuse. According to the British Retail Crime Survey, violence against staff is a top concern, with thousands of incidents reported annually (see the statistics above).
- Customer theft. Shoplifting and theft-related incidents pose risks to employees and inventory. In 2024, incidents of customer theft rose to 16.7 million (up from 8 million).
- Slips, trips, and falls. Cluttered aisles or wet floors can increase the risk of accidents. Slips, trips and falls make up 32% of non-fatal workplace accidents.
- Manual handling. Stock replenishment and moving heavy goods can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Handling, lifting or carrying accounts for 17% of non-fatal workplace accidents.
2.Increase security
When evaluating your security measures, consider the following:
- CCTV coverage. Assess the presence and effectiveness of CCTV cameras and how well key areas are monitored.
- Alarm systems. Ensure panic buttons or alarms are accessible and regularly tested for functionality.
- Employee training. Provide staff with training on how to handle high-risk scenarios, such as attempted theft.
- Clear communication. Verify that security policies are well-documented and effectively communicated to employees.
The British Retail Crime Survey highlights that the retail sector invests heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2 billion. Yet rising shoplifting rates suggest many of these measures are falling short.
Robust security measures protect businesses and create a safer working environment for employees. Visible deterrents such as CCTV cameras, physical security, or Security Industry Authority (SIA) guards can discourage potential offenders.
The specific security measures you adopt will depend on the nature of your business and the level of risk associated with your products.
3. Prepare for emergencies
Retail environments must have clear procedures for emergencies, including fire, medical incidents, criminal threats, and terrorism threats. Emergency preparedness in retail environments is critical to ensure the safety of employees and customers.
Retail spaces must establish and maintain clear and comprehensive procedures to address a range of potential emergencies. This involves not only having the necessary equipment in place but also ensuring that all employees are adequately trained to respond effectively.
Key considerations include the visibility and accessibility of emergency exits, which should be clearly marked to facilitate swift evacuation during an emergency. Fire extinguishers must be regularly inspected to ensure they are in proper working condition, providing a reliable resource in case of a fire.
Employees should receive thorough training in evacuation procedures, enabling them to guide customers to safety and minimise risks during critical situations.
Managers and employees need to thoroughly understand emergency arrangements, such as how to:
- Put the store into lockdown if required.
- Deal with the escalation in threat.
- Call on local support.
- Contact the authorities for assistance.
4. Provide employee training
Considering the risks faced by retail workers, tailored training programmes can help equip them with the knowledge and skills to manage various challenges effectively. Here are some recommended training courses available from Praxis42:
Health and Safety Awareness Course. Provides retail workers with a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety, including hazard identification and risk management.
Fire Safety Training. Covers fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures, and the use of fire extinguishers, ensuring employees are prepared to handle fire-related incidents.
Bullying and Harassment Training. Equips workers with strategies to de-escalate situations involving aggression or violence, helping to safeguard their well-being in high-stress scenarios.
Manual Handling Course. Ensures workers understand safe lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, which are common in environments requiring stock handling.
Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) Awareness Course. Educates employees about the principles of Martyn’s Law, focusing on preparedness for terrorist threats, identifying suspicious behaviour, and implementing effective security measures. This training ensures compliance with anticipated legislation aimed at protecting public spaces.
Inclusion, Equality and Diversity Training. Promotes respectful workplace interactions, reducing the likelihood of discrimination or harassment in diverse retail settings.
Slips, Trips and Falls Training. Targets one of the most common causes of workplace injuries, teaching employees how to identify and minimise slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Lone Working Training. Designed for staff who work alone, this course covers personal safety strategies and communication protocols to reduce risks in isolated settings.
Conflict Resolution Training. Aims to enhance communication skills, enabling retail workers to handle challenging customer interactions calmly and professionally.
You can find out more about each course by clicking on the links above, or talk to our friendly team about your bespoke training needs on 0203 011 4242/info@praxis42.com
