There are several different types of jobs inside a supermarket. Employees are more likely to experience exposure to spills, high traffic, cluttered aisles and uneven floors. Each position comes with its benefits and risks, among those hazards are slips and falls. In fact, slips and trips are the leading cause of major injury in the retail sector, according to the HSE.
Even though supermarkets implement strict cleaning policies, it can be common for some liquids or food spills to escape an employee’s regular line of view. Such drips and spills can cause slip-and-fall accidents on the main floors of supermarkets and inside the building’s storage units. It is a good idea to hire a cleaning crew that will be diligent in reviewing the aisles, hallways and other locations where spills or sections of wet floors may go unnoticed.
Keep reading to learn the 5 main causes of slips and falls in supermarkets to avoid the risk of potential workplace accidents.
1. Smooth surfaces left wet and unmarked
Dry mops can help reduce the amount of time a floor needs to dry but whilst it is still damp, a slip risk remains present. It is not enough to add signs or yellow cones to mark off a hazard as they do not prevent customers from entering the aisle or area. The best way to stop pedestrian access would be to use barriers and opt for cleaning the store in sections.
There is no physical way to speed up drying time. Nevertheless, in order to reduce the risk of slips and falls in a damp area, proper signage is very much recommended to let customers and staff know the current state of recently cleaned floors.
2. Spills not cleaned up quickly and efficiently
When spills are cleaned up fast to prevent slips and falls inside a supermarket, this not only benefits your employees but also the customers. However, when spills or excess liquid from cleaning supplies are not taken care of efficiently, slips and falls can occur. Ensure that the cleaning process happens at the right time of day to avoid the potential risk of injuries for your employees.
Keep in mind that the floors behind food service posts inside supermarkets (ie: butchers, bakers, fishmongers) can be greasy, so detergents and cleaning agents will need time to work on and cut through it.
3. Floors not kept free of debris
One of the main repetitive yet essential tasks inside a supermarket is maintaining proper inventory. The issue can be when to bring out large boxes, pallets or other heavy objects to restock the shelves. Sticking to a predetermined schedule either in the early morning or during lull periods in the mid-afternoon are often the best times to do any restocking in the aisles. When floors are kept free of debris and obstructions, possible slip, trip and fall accidents will be reduced during high traffic times.
4. Cleaning equipment needs maintenance or updating
In a day and age where technology is evolving and changing rapidly, it is important to prioritise the regular maintenance and updating of store equipment. Faulty machines should be reported and repaired immediately. Heavy machinery, price scanners and cleaning tools should be stored properly to aid in keeping aisles and hallways clear and free from obstructions. This is an excellent rule of thumb to keep in mind to refrain from introducing more risks into the workplace.
5. Not wearing proper, slip-resistant footwear
Store assistants and managers often work in high-pressure environments, and they are often on their feet for long periods of time each shift. Both factors can result in a higher risk of fatigue and developing chronic back pain or other musculoskeletal disorders. One way to combat muscular fatigue is to allow employees to take adequate rest breaks to avoid excessive strain and stress on the body during their shifts.
Another way to save both time and money in the long run is to provide supermarket staff with high-quality and comfortable footwear which will help alleviate regular aches and pains and get them through even their toughest days. If the shop’s floors cannot be dried quickly, slip-resistant footwear can help prevent potential slips and falls on the job, thus protecting your employees and reducing accidents.
Knowing which risks your employees may be exposed to and preventing slips and falls in supermarkets are only the first steps. Keeping and following a health and safety checklist for your stores is one of the best ways to ensure your employees are protected while on the job.
At Shoes For Crews’ our patented slip-resistant outsoles provide great traction to prevent slip and trip injuries before they happen. Our range of different styles, even innovative styles for retail workers, adapt to employees’ needs depending on their role inside each supermarket. Our experts are constantly improving both our work shoes and trainers for all types of job roles. If you are interested in learning more about specific styles or would like to receive a free sample of shoes, reach out and get in touch. We also invite you to download our newly updated Buyers Guide.
