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Unit 11: Loss Prevention and Shrinkage Control




          Fire hazards may be abundant in your retail store. Factors such as exposed wire from lighting or  Notes
          computers, open flames in a store display, improper chemical storage in a back room or
          combustible materials left near a heat source are major fire hazards that could harm both
          employees and customers. To ensure you’re prepared for any fires that may arise, always keep
          fire extinguishers in your store and make sure all employees are trained in how to use them.
          Schedule routine fire extinguisher inspections to verify that they function properly.

          11.1.3 Ergonomics

          According to OSHA, ergonomics is the science of matching your workplace requirements to
          your employees’ capabilities. Mismatching job requirements to capabilities can result in employee
          injury or illness. For example, if you hire a petite person to lift very heavy boxes for hours on
          end, you may risk injury to your employee due to poor ergonomics. OSHA’s examples of some
          common ergonomic risks include those jobs that require frequent or heavy lifting, prolonged
          awkward postures or situations in which the room temperature is very cold for a long time.

          11.1.4 Air Quality

          Retail stores often may be located inside other buildings such as malls, with no windows to
          open in case the store needs to be aired out. Without proper ventilation, the air in a retail store
          may begin to collect mold, fungus, bacteria or specific vapours from products used. To keep air
          quality safe in your retail store, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union recommends
          installing a mechanical system that cycles in fresh outdoor air and circulates it throughout your
          store, both in the main floor area and in any back rooms. If a mechanical air system is already in
          place, check to see that it is functioning properly and hire a professional to fix it in case it stops
          working.

          11.1.5 Visual Inspection of Premises

          Visually inspect your store’s premises consistently to ensure that no hazards are apparent. These
          hazards may include uneven flooring, spills that could cause a customer or employee to slip and
          fall and misplaced boxes or other items on the floor that may cause someone to trip and hurt
          themselves. Make sure spills are mopped up immediately, and remove clutter from your store’s
          floor. If you do not plan to be in the store every day, train your managers about what to look for
          to keep your store’s premises safe.
          Where your retail store is located can determine what safety measures you may need to take in
          case a natural disaster occurs. For example, if you are in a region where earthquakes are common,
          you may take special precautions by not stacking inventory high above your customers’ heads
          where it can fall with earth movement. If tornadoes occur in your area, be prepared with a plan
          that allows you to alert customers immediately to any watches or warnings. If possible, have a
          safe sub-room built below ground where you, employees and any customers can wait out
          imminent tornadoes. Keep safety kits that include water and non-perishable food in case
          employees and customers are unable to leave your store after the natural disaster is over.

          11.1.6 Crime

          Whether you’ve experienced shoplifting or other types of crime in your store, or if similar
          crimes have happened at nearby retail stores, the safety of your customers and employees may
          be in peril if a crime can occur on your premises. Be prepared to nip crime in the bud by taking
          measures that may include installing a security alarm system, setting up surveillance cameras in
          different parts of your store and hiring a security guard who can monitor your store during
          business hours.




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