Security Precautions for Retail

Stores
By Daniel Westlake, eHow Contributor
updated: July 22, 2010

1.
Security cameras are a common form of security in retail stores.
Retail stores have a number of different security precautions to
protect their products, employees and their customers from theft
or other criminal activity. These precautions range from different
systems of technology installed within the stores to actual
security guards standing watch over the products. These
precautions can be expensive but effective.
Security Cameras
2. Retail stores often install a security camera system.These
cameras are installed along the walls or in the ceilings to get a full
bird's eye view of the activity going on throughout the store. The
footage that is captured by these security cameras is recorded on
a tape or a hard drive and can be reviewed or submitted as
evidence if a crime occurs. While these cameras are expensive to
install and must have someone who is trained to maintain and
operate them, they are effective as a non-invasive form of
security that doesn't make good customers feel they are being
watched and that protects not just against theft, but other crimes
as well.
Security Tags and System
3. Many retail stores use a security tag system on all of their
clothes and at every entrance and exit to the store. Those plastic
towers we walk past when we enter a retail store have sensors
within them, and when one of the tags passes through these
sensors, an alarm sounds that alerts employees and store
security. The tags are designed so that removing them without
the special device available to employees will damage the
 product . This is a security precaution that protects solely against
theft.
Security Guards
4. Having a security guard standing watch in the retail store is
another option. Hiring someone who is trained to look for
shoplifters and to wander the store checking out customers or
checking bags and receipts when all customers leave, will greatly
reduce the number of thefts that occur. It can also protect
shoppers and employees from other crimes. However, a security
guard is an ongoing expense and is also an invasive security
measure, making some customers feel uncomfortable that they
are being watched by another person while they shop.

Safety in Retail Stores

By Erin Steeley, eHow Contributor
updated: December 18, 2009

Safety is one of the primary concerns in retail stores.

Creating and maintaining a safe environment for workers and

consumers is a primary concern of a retail store operation.
Following proper procedures, awareness of hazards and
maintenance are some of the key ingredients for achieving this.
 Personal Injury
1. Tripping, falling or slipping in a retail store are some of the
major reasons for injuries that occur. Stores prevent these
hazards by identifying spills and cleaning them up immediately,
keeping aisles clean and clear, using ladders properly and
reporting flooring that is damaged or uneven.
Training
2. Another technique that is essential for stores wanting to
promote safety is their use of training. Employees are given
information on using and cleaning hazardous materials, first aid
and how to do their work in the most efficient and safe manner.
For example, the staff is taught how to lift objects appropriately to
avoid back injuries.
Crime

3.
Robbery is one of the hazards that retail stores have to contend with.
Being safe in retail stores encompasses dealing with theft,
violence and shoplifting incidents. The stores are kept lighted,
clean and doors not used for public entrance are secure.
Employees are encouraged not to take trash out at night by
themselves, employees are present around the store and know
proper procedures for dealing with incidents.
Other Injury Prevention
4. Preventing injuries such as muscle strains, tendinitis, carpal
tunnel syndrome and related problems involves changing the
environment and the way work is done. Stores design work areas
so they minimize these types of injuries, make tasks more
efficient and rotate the jobs that employees do. Examples are
 using keyboard supports, anti-fatigue mats, adjustable work
surfaces and keeping things stored where they can be easily
reached.
Identification of Potential Problems
5. Retail stores also promote safety by evaluating work areas
for problems, assessing procedures for doing tasks and getting
employees' input. They also follow federal and state government
guidelines that outline certain requirements, such as material
safety data sheets, proper storage of chemicals and related
regulations for workplace safety.

Retail Safety Procedures

By Bianca Bumpres, eHow Contributor
updated: June 14, 2010

1.
Retail workers must handle objects and items properly in order to prevent injury.
Retail work is not just about folding clothes and checking out
customers. In fact, workplace injuries can occur in the world of
retail. The most common causes of work injuries related to retail
work occur when handling heavy bags, boxes and other objects,
using tools and equipment, or even from slips and falls. It is
important to take the necessary steps to reduce injuries in the
workplace or try to prevent them from them happening.
Handling and Lifting
2. Handling or lifting objects and items improperly can cause
strains and sprains in the neck, back or ankles. More serious
injuries can lead to broken bones and hernias, all of which can
have long-lasting effects on your life. To prevent injury, avoid
lifting and carrying items that are too heavy or awkward to carry.
Use mechanical lifting devices instead. Mechanical lifting devices
include hoists, carts, forklifts or dollies. Enlist help if a mechanical
device is not available but items are still hard to lift and carry
alone. Other measures of safety to take when lifting and carrying
 objects is to hold the object close to your body as you lift it. Bend
at the knees, not the waist, when lifting items. Get a good grip on
the object and lift it smoothly and slowly. Do not lift items
repeatedly, as this can cause strain.
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
3. Slips and trips in the retail industry occur from slippery floor
surfaces and cluttered walkways. To prevent slips and trips wear
nonslip, well-fitting shoes. Always keep aisles and walkways free
of clutter. Do not attempt to carry more items than you can handle
while walking. Keep visibility clear, make sure you're able to see
where you're going if carrying an item while you're walking. Clean
spills promptly to prevent areas from becoming slippery and slick.
While in the process of cleaning spills, mark the area as
potentially dangerous.
Ladder Safety
4. Many injuries are related to the improper use of ladders in
the field of retail. Always inspect ladders before use. Do not use a
ladder that has a loose, broken or missing rung or is split at the
side rail. Place the ladder on a firm, level surface before using.
Keep the base of the ladder free from any obstructions. Do not
put ladders up against flexible or movable objects. Do not stand
on the top two steps of the ladder. The base of the ladder should
be out 1 foot for every 4 feet that the ladder is high.

Retail Security & Loss

Prevention
By Christopher Eger, eHow Contributor
updated: March 27, 2010

The retail security and loss prevention employee is the

cornerstone of providing both safety and revenue assurance to
any store. This career field has grown more professional over the
years and today is broken into two separate segments, that of
uniformed officer and plainclothes agent technicians. There are
several training and operational considerations that these
employees adhere to.
 History
1. Retail stores, large and small, have for generations hired
and maintained staffs of security and loss prevention personnel.
Increased training and best practices policies to limit liability have
brought about more professionalism to the industry.
Legacy job titles such as 'store detectives" and "store guard" have
been updated to titles such as "asset protection associate" or
"revenue assurance agent" to reflect this change.
Types of retail protective personnel
2. In retail security and loss prevention there are three types of
employees: overt, covert and technical. The overt employee is
both seen and known by everyone as a security employee as he
wears a uniform and is the physical deterrent to theft. The covert
employee wears plainclothes and blends in with the shoppers to
conduct close surveillance of shoplifters. The technical employee
monitors and maintains security systems, cameras, and tracking
devices and is the most likely to prevent and detect employee
theft. The best security programs use all three types, but smaller
programs may only use fewer employees who multi-task
missions.
Function of retail security
3. Retail security officers are generally the public face of safety
and loss prevention in an establishment. They are identified
immediately as store employees and wear a specific uniform or
identification. They are the physical deterrent to shoplifting and
employee pilfering. Often, these uniformed employees are also
the most approachable by lost children in a "Code Adam"
scenario, as many children are taught to respect what they
perceive to be an enforcement officer. These personnel are often
at the entrance or exit to the store.
Function of loss prevention staff
4. Loss prevention staff, formerly referred to as 'store
detectives," are more often than not plainclothes store employees
who are conducting surveillance on the sales floor. They may be
monitoring closed-circuit cameras in a rear area or actually
walking the floor itself in the conduct of their job duties. Often
appearing to be just another shopper, they observe potential
shoplifters and most frequently initiate a detaining interview.
 Large chain stores frequently rotate loss prevention employees to
keep chronic shoplifters off balance, and other non-management
employees may not even know of their existence.
Training and considerations
5. While there are thousands of retail security and loss
prevention employees in the country, specialized training is often
hard to find. Some large companies have dedicated training
programs, but these are the exception, not the rule. Often,
security operations are contracted out to professional companies.
At the very least hiring of vetted personnel with prior security,
military or police experience will decrease liability. It is
recommended that these personnel complete CPR/first aid
training at a minimum. Set guidelines in compliance with all state
and local laws for detention and conducting investigations should
be established and adhered to.