Managing Safety in a Stockroom

Windows, Doors and Entrances

Exterior glass windows and doors should be cleaned at least once a week or even once a day, if needed. Check that doors open easily and close quietly. Doormats should be provided to prevent mud and dirt soiling. They should be placed in such a way that people will not trip on them when entering or leaving the stockroom – tape them down if necessary. These doormats should be cleaned frequently and replaced when worn. Also, keep ramps and entrances clear for the handicapped.

Parking Areas

Parking lots must be practical and feel secure. Clear any broken glass and pick up rubbish. Make certain that restricted parking spaces are clearly-marked. Check that lights are working. If lights are out, contact maintenance to replace them (unless you can to do this yourself).

Carpets and Floors

Floors should be swept, and if necessary, mopped, too. These, and other housekeeping tasks, should be performed at the end of the workday or before the stockroom opens, when there is low traffic. Wet surfaces, however, should be cleaned immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Counters, Fixtures and Other Surfaces

Dust and grime quickly build up on counters and fixtures. These surfaces should be dusted regularly. Glass cases and countertops must be cleaned daily with window cleaner to keep them smudge-free. Chrome, brass, and other metallic surfaces should be polished, too. This not only keeps the stockroom looking clean but is also prevents merchandise from being soiled.

Rubbish Pickup

Empty rubbish bins when they are full. Place new liners or bags in the bins. Wipe spills and stains off the rubbish bin. Clean around the rubbish bin, too. Occasionally, spray disinfectant in and around the rubbish bin. If you are not responsible for this task, contact the maintenance department and ask someone to do the job.

Checkouts

Keep checkouts free from clutter. Sort through papers, receipts, etc. and put each in its proper place. Place returned merchandise on a rack or in a bin, so that it can be returned to the stockroom. Throw away paper cups, wrappers and any other rubbish. Keep bags, gift boxes, and tissues neatly-arranged behind the counter. Make sure pens are available for customers and sales assistants and make sure that they do work!

Bathrooms

Nobody likes to clean a bathroom. Do not neglect this important duty! It is unpleasant, but very necessary. Make sure toilets are clean and working. Keep hand basins clean. Whether you are responsible for sanitizing or not, you should periodically check the restrooms for problems. That way, you can take care of small problems before they become big ones. Check that hand basins and toilets are not blocked. If hand dryers are used, check that they are in working order. Make certain that toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues and soap are in supply. Call for maintenance on any problems you cannot or are not authorized to fix.

Restocking

When restocking shelves/floor, make sure that goods are put where they belong. This may seem obvious, but when you are busy, shelves, racks and other stocking units can be emptied quickly. You must make certain that those empty spaces are filled correctly – do not take the first space you see just because it is available. Do not arbitrarily change product locations, either. Nor should you change the distribution of different-sized merchandise.

Returned Goods

Do not pile up returned merchandise. Carefully check returned merchandise. If it is not damaged, it should be returned to the bay as quickly as possible. Make sure it has the correct price tag attached. Then neatly place it back on the correct rack, shelf or table. If the merchandise is damaged, then follow company procedures for dealing with damaged merchandise. Send it to the repair department or return it to the manufacturer.

Slippery Floors

Floors are slippery when wet. Clean spills immediately. Dry off wet surfaces. Impractical is when drying floors – such as on rainy days when customers track in water on their shoes. Place a caution sign at slippery surfaces. Do not leave liquid-filled containers, such as buckets or drinking cups on the floor where they can be knocked over.

Obstacles

Employees carrying boxes or moving merchandise may be unable to see where they are stepping. To prevent trips and falls, clear pathways of rubbish bins, boxes and other obstacles. Check for loose carpets and floor tiles, too. If you spot these, contact a maintenance worker to fix the flooring. Never assume people will ‘watch where they’re going’.

Broken Equipment

Smoke detectors that do not work, exposed wiring, and inadequate lighting in a stairwell are all examples of unsafe conditions. Such negligence can and should be corrected immediately. If you are aware of unsafe conditions, report them to a manager or supervisor. Regular maintenance should help keep problems in check. If unsafe conditions persist, you may have to contact an outside authority, such as the fire department, to force the retailer to fix the problem.

Block Exists

Stockrooms are required by law to have a certain number of emergency exits, depending on the size of the building. These emergency exits must be accessible at all times. They must also be clearly-marked as emergency exists. Regularly check all exits in the store or in your department. Do not block the exits with boxes or other obstacles. Clear pathways to the emergency exits. Make sure that the doors are not chained or otherwise locked from the inside. In addition, make sure that the exits are clearly-marked. If electric exit signs are installed above the doors, make sure they are always lit.

Flammable Substances

Every worker must exercise caution in the presence of inflammable substances, heat sources and electrical sources. Fire can occur in any workplace, so all workers must be prepared to handle fire emergencies. They should always know where to locate and how to operate fire extinguishers. They must be familiar with evacuation plans in case of fire or explosion.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment is used in most work environments. Stockroom jobs require workers to operate electric appliances, power tools or machines. Electricity can cause fires and electrocute workers. Avoid drinking liquids or stepping in water when using electrical equipment. Switch off machines before plugging and unplugging them. Do not use electrical equipment with electrical short or broken or frayed wires. Do not try to fix electrical equipment unless trained as an electrician.

Lifting Hazards/Physical Hazards

Many workers injure themselves because they do not lift objects properly. Nearly a fifth of all workplace injuries are due to overexertion in lifting heavy objects. To lift heavy objects:

• Stand close to the object when lifting
• Bend the knees
• Keep the back straight
• Get a good grip on the object
• Keep the object close to the body when it is lifted
• Let the legs do the work
• Get help with very heavy objects

Solutions:

• Provide general ergonomics training and task-specific training
• Minimize the need for lifting by using good design and engineering techniques
• Lift properly and get a co-worker to help if a product is too heavy

Dangerous Substances

Dangerous, toxic, flammable, or explosive chemicals and substances make up the inventory of some stockrooms. Employees must follow procedures to prevent leaks, fires and explosions where flammable materials are stored. In addition, emergency procedures are usually established in case employees are exposed to dangerous chemicals. For instance, a worker who sprayed a toxic chemical should wash immediately and thoroughly.

Chemical

Always wear appropriate safety gear when working with these materials. Work in a well-ventilated area if fumes are a problem. Never leave containers caps off. Do not leave the containers where they can be knocked over or easily picked up. Make sure they are labelled clearly and correctly. Throw away empty boxes, old wrappings or other waste which could catch fire easily.

Solutions:

• Maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical to which workers are exposed in the facility
• Follow instructions on the MSDS for handling chemical products
• Train employees on the risks of each chemical being stored
• Provide spill clean-up kits in any area where chemicals being stored
• Have a written spill control plan
• Train employees to clean up spills, protect themselves and properly dispose of used materials
• Provide proper personal protective equipment and enforce its use
• Safely and securely store all chemicals
• Store chemicals away from forklift traffic areas

Fooling Around

Most employers discourage running and horseplay in the workplace, especially around dangerous substances and equipment. Workers should always move carefully and never hurry or become hysterical. Using alcohol or drugs at work can be extremely dangerous and affects productivity. Jobs and drugs do not mix.

Handling Stock Inventory and Supplies

Storerooms have formal procedures/unwritten rules governing how supplies should be arranged. For instance, heavier supplies are usually placed on the bottom shelves while lighter ones are placed on top. If the shelving units in storage rooms are above the head, ladders are provided so employees will not stretch and hurt their backs when loading and unloading supplies. Supplies should be placed in their proper locations immediately upon delivery and not left blocking passageways and entrances.

Make sure shelves are sturdy and safe. Check that fixtures are firmly attached and supported. They should not wobble or fall over if brushed or bumped into. Tables, stands, counters, shelves, or cases supporting them must likewise be sturdy and secure. Unsecured shelves can injure staff if they fall over. At the very least, they can damage the merchandise.

Solutions:

• Stack loads evenly and straight
• Place heavier loads on lower or middle shelves
• Remove one object at a time from shelves
• Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair

Sloppy Areas

A cluttered, sloppy, or dirty workplace increase the chance that someone may have an accident. Many employers have strict maintenance guidelines. For instance, packing boxes must be disposed of immediately after they have been unpacked. Liquids spilled on the floor should be cleaned up immediately and a sign placed indicating the floor is wet.

Activity

Read the following statements and decide whether you agree or disagree: