 |
Arena Magazine 2007 Issue 3 Autumn Arena |
 |
Top 10 retail safety tips
Usdaw warns members on personal safety ahead of forthcoming legislation to ban cigarette sales to under 18s.
Top 10 retail safety tips
1. Be prepared
Would you know what to do if you spotted a shoplifter or credit card fraud or if there was a robbery? Your employer should have plans, to deal with all incidents.
2. Physical protection
Security measures, alarms, CCTV, protective barriers, and panic buttons can all help. Staff need to understand the security systems provided.
3. Training
Staff need to know what they are expected to do when an incident develops, how to follow safe working procedures and how to use security equipment properly.
4. Cash handling
Cash should be kept out of sight and tills should be emptied often.
5. Banking
Where possible banking should be done by specialist security staff. It should not be one person alone and it should not be done on foot or by public transport. Staff should be fully trained.
6. Shoplifters
Over half of all assaults are linked to tackling shoplifters. Employers should make sure all staff know what to do and the policy should make it clear that no-one should jeopardise their personal safety.
7. Armed robbery
Employers should train people to be prepared for armed robbery. Doing exactly what the robber tells you and not resisting, and not raising the alarm until it is safe to do so, should be part of the policy.
8. Lone working
Working alone, especially late at night, should be avoided. Where staff are expected to work alone, extra precautions should be taken.
9. Reporting incidents
Employers need to know exactly what risks their staff are exposed to. A reliable system for recording all incidents helps to build up the picture.
10. Reviewing procedures
Employers should review their procedures on a regular basis in consultation with the union health and safety
reps.
For more information:
www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk
www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
