Checkout - Health & Safety in Retail Workplaces

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represents more than 42,000 members working in retail at about 570 grocery and wholesale stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and more across Ontario.

These are the working people who make it possible for everyone to access food, medicine, and other essentials every day.

Working in retail comes with a number of health and safety risks. The list below is not exhaustive.

Retail is where many young people get their start in the working world and are three times more likely to be injured on the job than more experienced workers. No matter your age, experience level, or job, always be sure to:

• Ask questions and ask for training if none is automatically provided.

• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment.

• Use proper techniques for lifting, precautions when using ladders or machinery, and follow all safety guidelines in the workplace.

• Report any hazards or concerns.

Members with questions about hazards at work should contact their Health & Safety Rep, Joint Health & Safety Committee, Union Steward, or Union Representative.

Exposure to chemicals can happen in many ways. From Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), which are hormone disrupting chemicals found on thermal receipts, to cleaning supplies, disinfectants and more. Read more about BPA & BPS and the campaign to eliminate their use on thermal receipts online at ufcw175.com/BPABPS

Food prep injuries can involve knives, peelers, slicers, ovens, fryers, and more.

Slips and falls are common in wet prep areas, where customers track in water and snow, aisles with spills or cleaning, and icy parking lots and receiving areas.

Reusable bags can be a source of injury because of varying sizes, handle lengths, and weight once packed. These bags can also cause workers to be exposed to bacteria or unknown objects that may be left in bags.

Lifting heavy or awkward items may be a part of unpacking product, stocking shelves, scanning products at cash, or assisting customers.

Unloading and unpacking might involve box cutters, pallet jacks, poorly packed skids, or moving heavy stacked items.

Standing for long periods of time is common in retail work and can lead to back, leg, and foot pain.

Repetitive movements are part of tasks all over the store; from food prep to scanning products, and more.

Violence, bullying, and harassment are a reality for retail workers who take the brunt of frustration when customers or others become angry. Retail workers often handle large sums of money and stores can be targets for robberies. Employers must have a clear policy to address violence, bullying, and harassment that must be enforced, and have procedures in place to deal with crimes that may occur in the store.