Stock Up On Store Health

Though T he re T ail apparel s T ores are rela T ively low hazard working places, T here are s T ill T he small niggles T ha T you mus T mind. h ere’s how you can guard agains T injuries, s T ress, brea T hing issues & more

Asuccessful apparel store is a safe apparel store. Though the apparel industry is considered much safer than other industries, small injuries, fatigue, leg stress and fabric allergy often come to the fore as niggles for workers. Executing a comprehensive safety plan is a must. Some commonsense retail safety tips for you:

SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS Such bodily injuries are more common than you think, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NOISH). So make sure that:

1. The lighting is adequate in all areas. Alert the staff responsible for fixing it. 2. Utilities such as water, electricity and plumbing too should be in working order. 3. All walkways need to be cleared of clutter and debris. 4. Secure electrical cords so that no one trips on them. 5. Ensure that fire extinguishers are in easy reach.

FABRIC ALLERGY ALERT Skin reactions to clothing is most often a result of the formaldehyde finishing, resins, dyes, glues, chemical additives and tanning agents used in processing the fabric or clothing. Since apparel stores have all kinds of textiles, there is need to guard against allergies created by fibre strands in the air. Here’s how: 1. Ensure air filters are clean and clear. Well-circulated air vents out mould, fungus and bacteria. 2. A quick Pranayam session during a break goes a long way in clearing nasal tracts from fabric pollution. Take ten long breaths in, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. Breathe in from one nostril and breathe out from the other in slow motion.

3. If allergic rash or any other symptom arises, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and warm water. Apply wet compresses on the area to soothe the skin. Wash your hands before and after applying any topical cream. 4. Wear cotton gloves while dealing with shelf fabrics.

HEAVY LOADING To keep stocks full and on the shelves, there is a lot of backyard carrying of weight which has often resulted in torn muscles and back problems, sometimes even slip disc and shoulder drops. There is urgent need to supervise carrying loads into the store. Moving products from delivery trucks to storage areas and then to shelves, along with scanning and bagging items, is hazardous work. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) are the most common injury experienced in this section – as much as 36.5 per 10,000 full-time workers reported an MSD in 2014. To prevent this health hazard, processes need to be efficient and lifting and equipment techniques ergonomically devised. Though automation is a huge help, manual lifting cannot be entirely done away with. Here’s how the back and muscles may be safeguarded: 1. Heavy bags should not be lifted alone. Help of co-workers must be sought. 2. Bending down or straightening up when lifting things should be done gently. 3. Best to drag loads if lifting is difficult. STAND-UP STRESS

Apparel stores are quite a stress on employees who need to stand for long periods.

This leads to reduced blood supply to the legs.

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce or avoid the risk of foot and leg stress. Check these: 1. Change your position: If you’re on your feet all day, get yourself into a posterior pelvic tilt. Doing so can take you from a position of discomfort to instant relief. Basically, do not stand in the same position for more than 15 minutes. 2. Learn to exhale fully: You may not believe this but there is medical research on how exhaling fully goes a long way in relieving annoying lower back tightness due to leg-stress. Yes you are busy but never forget to breathe out, a long sigh once in a while helps miraculously. 3. Pause with relief postures:

The best posture is the one that is constantly changing, so it is sometimes good to fidget. This also applies to the way you stand. You simply have to break up the day, find some time to sit, lay on your back for a bit, or half-kneel for a few minutes every hour.

Yes, You’re verY busY and feel taking time out to consider Your health and securitY during the work daY is a nuisance but the consequences, short and long term maY be serious. so take note! Working in any capacity around the stores comes with it’s health hazards but keep a few things in mind, and ensure that others do so as well. Check out these simple steps