Shop safety : common faults

• Introduction
• Legislation
• Common faults
• Further information

Introduction

No matter what kinds of goods are being sold in shops accidents and injuries do occur. In supermarkets, for instance, shopping trolleys may hurt children. In greengrocers customers may slip on old fruit. In off licences staff may be hurt by falling boxes or through incorrect manual handling activities. Have a look around your premises with a really critical eye.

Carry out a risk assessment [PDF file information].

Legislation

See Health and Safety Regulations

Common faults

Examples of common faults are:

• Trip hazards
• Faulty electrical appliances
• Obstructed fire exists
• Obstructed stairs and corridors
• Inadequate access for the disabled
• Lack of safety signs for customers
• Badly sited equipment and furniture
• No fire exit signs
• Confined spaces
• Horseplay by employees
• Training wires
• Sharp corners on shelving
• Splintering glass
• Unprotected conveyor belts
• Top heavy stock
• Accumulation of packaging
• Inadequate lighting
• Dirty sanitary accommodation

Further information

• Visit www.hsebooks.co.uk