In the retail world, every moment counts and every customer interaction matters. But in the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s never advisable to take the eye off the ball when it comes to worker safety. The safety and happiness of workers must be paramount at all times. OSHA definitely seems to think so. Consider the fine and strictures applied on retailers found short in this regard, like Dollar Tree!

It is essential to recognize that achieving a harmonious balance between workforce well-being and operational efficiency is not merely an ethical imperative but also a strategic advantage. 

But how can retail organizations go about it? Well, technological interventions can certainly help. Alongside them, there are cultural avenues that retailers can tap into. Let’s explore these in this article. But before that, let’s understand the safety challenges that workers face.

Safety Challenges with Retail Establishments

Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are the most common type of accidents in retail establishments. A host of factors, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, and clutter, can cause them. They can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones and head and spinal cord injuries.

Collisions

Collisions between people and equipment are also common in retail stores. They can be caused by crowded aisles, poor visibility, and reckless behavior. Collisions can lead to injuries to customers and employees alike.

Organized Retail Crime 

Organized retail crime, as opposed to petty theft and shoplifting, can cause serious financial and physical damage. Employees and customers alike are often subjected to violent actions from criminals.

Fire Hazards

Retail establishments are also at risk for fire hazards. These hazards can be associated with flammable material, electrical wiring, and cooking equipment. Fires in retail stores can be hazardous because of the large number of people who may be present at the facility.

6 Strategies for Enhancing Safety and Well-being in Retail

Retail environments are bustling with activity, which can sometimes lead to unforeseen hazards and challenges like those discussed above. Here, we’ll explore six key strategies retail organizations can employ to maintain a safe and happy work environment.

1. Using Computer Vision to Detect and Prevent Hazards

Computer vision is transforming the way retailers approach safety and risk management. By harnessing its power, retailers can:

• Create cashier-less stores where customers can grab items and leave without traditional checkout. Computer vision systems can track customer selections and calculate their bills, enhancing security and convenience.
• Identify potential hazards in real time via computer vision-equipped cameras. They detect wet or slippery floors, spills, falls, or misplaced items, enabling immediate alerts to staff. This swift notification helps prevent accidents and addresses safety issues promptly.
• Leverage image recognition. Computer vision technology can identify objects and their locations within a store. Retailers use this capability to monitor stock levels, replenish items on shelves, and prevent merchandise from becoming potential tripping hazards.
• Leverage robust facial recognition and tracking capabilities that help prevent unauthorized entry and access.

2. Facilitating Movement and Process Correction

Continuous surveillance with computer vision enables the monitoring of employee movements and processes. In real-time, retailers can detect deviations from established safety protocols. For example:

• Heavy Lifting Assistance: When computer vision identifies an employee attempting to lift a heavy load, it can send an alert and recommend using appropriate equipment or requesting assistance.
• Safe Ladder Use: Computer vision systems can monitor ladder usage, ensuring that employees climb ladders safely and don’t overreach.
• Proper Tool Handling: Tools and equipment can be equipped with visual markers, making it easier for computer vision to track and ensure proper handling and usage.
• Inventory and Shelf Organization: Retailers can use computer vision to supervise employees organizing shelves and maintaining inventory orders. If an item is misplaced, computer vision can assist in locating and correcting it.

3. Prioritizing Employee Training for Safety

Retail organizations should emphasize thorough employee training programs that prioritize safety. These training programs can include:

• Safety Procedures: Make sure employees are well-versed in safety procedures, protocols, and best practices.
• Equipment Handling: Properly train them on the use of equipment and machinery, including understanding their limitations and safe operation.
• Emergency Response: Educate employees about emergency response procedures, such as fire evacuation, first aid, and reporting hazards.
• Regular Updates: Provide ongoing training to keep employees informed about the latest safety measures and technology updates.

4. Performing Routine Safety Audits in Retail

Regular safety audits are critical to maintaining a safe work environment. Retailers should perform:

• Regular inspections, self-assessments, and third-party safety audits to unearth potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Address findings from safety audits promptly and thoroughly. They must create a system for tracking and resolving safety issues to prevent future incidents.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety and use data and metrics to gauge improvements and areas for further focus.

5. Fostering Open Communication Channels for Safety

A lack of effective collaboration and communication is cited by 86% of employees and executives as the primary cause of workplace failures. So, encourage a culture of open communication among employees regarding safety. This can include:

• Anonymous Reporting: Implement systems that allow employees to report safety concerns or incidents anonymously. This promotes honesty and ensures employees don’t fear retribution for reporting issues.
• Safety Committees: Form safety committees that include employees from different roles in the organization to discuss and address safety matters.
• Safety Suggestions: Create platforms where employees can offer suggestions and ideas to enhance safety protocols and procedures. Employees often have valuable insights to contribute.

6. Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Safety is not a one-time effort; it requires an ongoing commitment to improvement. Retailers should:

• Facilitate Feedback Loops: Implement feedback loops that allow employees to provide input on safety measures and suggest improvements.
• Celebrate Safety Milestones: Recognize and celebrate safety achievements, such as accident-free days or significant improvements in safety metrics.
• Technology Assessment: Assess the computer vision platform and all the associated devices for performance.

Keep Your Retail Workers Safe and Happy with KamerAI

KamerAI is a leading provider of end-to-end extensible and scalable visual analytics solutions that can help retail organizations keep their workers safe and happy. With KamerAI, you can:

• Take care of surveillance, counting, dimensioning, and scanning, freeing up your employees to focus on more important tasks. 
• Identify operational gaps, strengthen safety, and improve productivity by providing valuable insights from visual data.
• Keep your teams safe with touchless, contactless access control and non-intrusive monitoring. 
• Track your products precisely and automate inspection. 

Contact us to learn more.