Workplace Hazards in Retail Shops
This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be
used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to
students while they are ‘at work’.
Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards
when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must NOT undertake the activity.
Hazard Possible Harmful Possible Employer Preventative
Effects Action to Prevent Action Students
Injury / Illness Can Take
Box cutters Cuts Provide appropriate cutters Work carefully – follow
Provide safe storage for cutters instructions and training
Provide appropriate gloves Use gloves provided
Knives and deli Cuts
slicers, powered Students must NOT use powered Students must NOT use
cutting equipment cutting equipment powered cutting equipment
Slippery floors Slips or falls Provide floor mats Wear non-slip shoes
Provide non-slip shoes Clean up spills quickly
Provide bucket, mop, detergent for
quick clean-up of spills
Cleaning products Skin contact may cause Use the least hazardous product Use personal protective
irritation or dermatitis for each job equipment (PPE) when
Ensure good ventilation provided – this could
Vapours or fumes may Make sure safety information is on include rubber gloves, eye
cause headaches and/or label and Material Safety Data protection
respiratory problems Sheet (MSDS) is provided Read safety information
Provide appropriate personal on label and Material
Long-term exposure may protective equipment (PPE) Safety Data Sheet
lead to chronic (ongoing) (MSDS)
health effects
Contact with public Abuse, assault, robbery Provide adequate security Follow procedures and
Provide barriers where money is instructions regarding
handled security and contact with
Provide adequate outside lighting the public
Schedule at least two people per Report any concerns
shift immediately
Arrange customer service and
emergency response training
Standing for long Back injuries, varicose Provide floor mats Take breaks when
periods veins, fatigue Provide regular breaks scheduled
Rotate jobs
Manual handling Musculoskeletal disorders, Re-design checkout stands Follow instructions and
(bending, reaching, including sprains and strains Rotate jobs training
stretching, pulling, Provide approved stepladder or Use mechanical aids,
lifting, repetitive step stool for stacking above stepladders where
motions, checkout shoulder height provided
scanners) Schedule regular breaks Seek help when you think
Provide mechanical aids a team lift is required
Store heavy items on lower shelves
Use team lifting
Sexual Emotional stress, fear and Establish work place policy Report any concerns
harassment, work anxiety, physical illness Provide staff briefings or training immediately
place bullying
