10 top tips to help you stay safe

The risk of violent crime is ever present in retail. Putting in place preventative measures is essential and could save lives. Below we produce a health and safety checklist to help you stay safe.

1 Be prepared

Would you know what to do if you spot a shoplifter or credit card fraud or if there is a robbery? Your employer should have procedures, planned in advance, to deal with incidents.

2 Physical protection

Security measures, alarms, CCTV, protective barriers, panic buttons can all help. Staff need to know how to operate 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 not allowed to build up in the till.

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 who are expected to do it should be fully trained.

6 Shoplifters

Over half of the physical assaults are linked to attempted shoplifting. Employers should make sure all staff know what to do if they see a suspected shoplifter. The policy should make it clear that no-one should risk personal safety to protect property.

7 Armed robbery

Employers should train people to be prepared for armed robbery. Doing exactly what the robber tells you and not resisting, avoiding sudden movements, not raising the alarm until it is safe to do so, should all be part of the policy.

8 Lone working

Working alone especially late at night, should be avoided. Where staff are expected to work alone, especially in exposed locations such as a petrol kiosk, 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 safety representatives.

Advice is always available. For information on the full range of health and safety issues contact Doug Russell, Health and Safety Officer on 0161-224 2804 or e-mail the Health and Safety Department.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/resources/1176218718_17366.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Apr-2007 01:26:21 EST
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