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Monday, December 16, 2024

Health and Safety Management, Retail Trade Text book, 11th class


Health and Safety

 Management


Human safety mainly focuses on the safety of health,  

hygiene and environment of all people, including  

customers, employees and the management. Everyone  

at a workplace, including employer, supervisor, workers,  

employees and customers have the responsibility to  

promote hygiene and safety. 

At home, too, you must have experienced injury  

due to hazardous tools, equipment and materials. For  

instance, while working in the kitchen, your mother or  

father might have at times hurt their finger with a knife.  

Most of the units in an unorganised sector of retailing  

do not follow basic hygiene or safety practices.  

A retail outlet must not be harmful for customers.  

Hazards associated with retail environment are often  

thought to be low risk but accidents remain common  

and can inflict significant extra costs on a business.  

Session 1: Health and Safety Requirements 

Meaning of health and safety  

In terms of a retail store, it is the retailer’s responsibility  

to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health  

and safety of workers and others who could be put at risk  

by the work of the business, such as customers, visitors,  

children and young people, or the general public. 

Definition of health  

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO),  health is a “state of complete physical, mental, and  social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease  or infirmity’’.  

Definition of safety 

Safety is the state of being ‘safe’, the condition of being  protected from harm or other non-desirable outcomes.  Regular risk assessments should be conducted at  retail stores to identify health and safety problems, and  initiate necessary measures to eliminate or mitigate  them as far as possible. 

Health and safety requirements laid by the  retailer and law  

As a retail store owner, it is imperative to ensure that the  retail space is safe for both customers and employees. It  is always expected from every sales associate to identify  and follow health and safety needs laid down by the  retailer and the law, which are in place to act as a  monitor to avoid all kinds of health or safety hazards. 

Following are the factors to keep in mind while  undertaking health and safety measures at a retail store:  (a) Abiding by the law: A retailer has to show that  he or she is following all safety practices in his  retail store.  

(b) Risk assessment: A risk assessment examines  the hazardous conditions at a workplace to  identify risks and implement measures to prevent  or reduce the risks.  

(c) Safety readiness from expected perils: As per  the Health and Safety legislation, it is required to  follow health and safety rules.  

(d) Ergonomics: It is the science of matching a retail  store’s requirements to the retailer’s capabilities.  For example, if a retailer hires a weak person to  lift heavy boxes for hours on end, there are more  chances of risk injury to the employee due to poor  ergonomics.  

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Health and Safety Management 

(e) Air quality: Without inadequate ventilation, air  starts to collect mold, fungus, bacteria or odours  in a retail store. Law recommends installing  machines that cycle fresh outdoor air and  circulates it throughout the store. 


(f) Visual inspection of premises: As per the law, it  is important to visually inspect the store premises  to ensure no hazards are visible, which include  uneven flooring, spills and misplaced boxes. 


(g) Crime: The retailer should install a surveillance  camera in different parts of the store for  safety purposes. Hiring a guard may also help  monitor the store. 


(h) Training: Employees of the retail store should be  trained to tackle any situation inviting danger. 


(i) Insurance: The retailer must get the retail store insured.  


Ways to encourage colleagues to follow health  and safety norms 

Health and safety programme is a process for managing  the prevention of work-related injuries and diseases at  the workplace. Retailers have the responsibility towards  employees to ensure their health and safety at the  workplace (Fig. 5.1).  

Rsponsibilitie of Worker 

•  Follow the health and  safety requirements as per  the job 

•  Ask for training before you  begin work 

•  Immediately report  

any injury to a first aid  attendant or supervisor •  Take the initiative and  correct unsafe conditions  immediately  

•  Make suggestions to  improve health and safety  standards 

Employee's Responsibilities

•  Provide a safe and healthy  workplace 

•  Ensure employees’ training,  and keep records of that •  Provide a comprehensive  occupational health and  safety programme, including  a written health and safety  policy and procedure 

•  Initiate an immediate  investigation into incidents •  Provide adequate first aid  facilities and services 

•  Provide personal protective  equipment (PPE), where  required 

Responsibilities of Supervisor  

•  Instruct workers for safe work  procedures 

•  Ensure that only authorised  and trained workers operate  tools and equipment or  

hazardous chemicals 

•  Ensure that equipment  and materials are properly  handled, stored and  

maintained correctly 

•  Enforce health and safety  requirements 

•  Train and check that your  work is being done safely •  Inspect the workplace for  hazards 

Fig. 5.1 Health and safety responsibilities of co-worker 

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Following are the ways to encourage colleagues to  follow the health and safety norms: 

(a) Create a plan: An employer should identify  hazards at the workplace and take steps to  minimise them, develop a safety plan and tell  all colleagues to ensure their safety and what is  expected from them.  

(b) Workplace inspection: Colleagues get  encouraged if equipment and tools are checked  and the workplace is inspected on a regular basis.  They take safety practices seriously. 

(c) Training: All employees should be trained  adequately and encouraged to follow health and  safety practices.  

(d) Supervision: Supervision is required to  ensure that all colleagues perform their job  properly and safely. They should understand  that if they do not follow instructions, they  will not only endanger their safety but also be  held liable for an incident, which could have  serious consequences.  

(e) Informal communication: Meet the staff and  colleagues regularly and encourage them to share  health and safety ideas for improving safety at  the workplace. 

(f) Discharge health and safety responsibilities  at workplace: The retailer should try to integrate  health and safety with all work process at the  workplace, and provide guidelines that define the  health, safety and security measures, as well as,  the required action and responsibility for execution  with the vision of an injury-free organisation.  

Activity 1 

A field visit to observe health and safety practices at a  retail store 

Material required 

Checklist, notebook and pen or pencils  

Notes

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Notes 

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Procedure  

1. Form a group of five students.  

2. Ask them to visit a retail store or a mall located in your area. 3. Greet and interact with the store manager.  

4. Tell him or her the purpose of the visit and take permission  for visiting the store.  

5. Interact with the employees and ask the following questions.  Write their replies in 100 words. 

(a) How do you maintain the health and safety in your  retail store? 

(b) What are the safety measures for the security of a  retail store? 

(c) What are the ways to encourage your co-workers to adopt  health and safety measures? 

6. Identify the areas which require health measures.  7. Observe the safety equipment and collect the details. 8. Discuss the findings with your friends, teachers and retail  authorities. 

9. Prepare a report and submit it to your teacher.  

Check Your Progress

A. Fill in the blanks  

1. _______________________ is a process for managing the  prevention of work-related injuries and diseases at  the workplace. 

2. ______________ is a “state of complete physical, mental,  and social well-being, and not merely the absence of  disease or infirmity’’.  

B. Multiple choice questions  

1. Without proper ventilation, air in retail store starts to  collect ___________________. 

(a) mold 

(b) fungus 

(c) bacteria or odour  

(d) All a), b) and c) 

2. A risk assessment examines the _____________ conditions  at a workplace 

(a) uneven flooring 

(b) spills 

(c) misplaced boxes 

(d) hazardous 


Sales Associate – Class XI 

C. State whether the following are True or False  1. Employees at the retail store need not be trained to tackle  any situation inviting danger.  

2. Ergonomics is the science of matching the retail store’s  requirements to the retailer’s capabilities. 

D. Short answer questions  

1. What is health? 

2. Define safety. 

3. State the requirements by a retailer for maintaining health  and safety standards.  

4. Discuss ways to encourage colleagues to follow health and  safety norms. 

E. Check your performance  

1. Demonstrate practices for maintaining health and safety  conditions at a retail store. 

2. List the steps of health and safety requirements laid down  by the retailer and law. 

3. List the ways to encourage colleagues to follow health and  safety norms. 

Session 2: Equipment and Material Risk for retail stores 

There can be a number of unforeseen situations,  which may pose potential threats for a workplace and  workers at a retail store. These are called ‘risks’, which  if not handled properly, can turn into emergencies.  Emergencies can be natural or manmade. These include  events, such as climbing accidents, electrocution, road  and fire accidents, machine injuries, etc. An emergency  can cause physical or environmental damage. It can  also disrupt retail business operations. 

Types of potential risks at a retail store 

Slips, trips and falls, lifting and carrying heavy loads,  and standing for long periods of time are some of the  ways that may injure retail workers at work.  

(a) Risk of musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and  strains): Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling  heavy loads can put workers at risk of serious  injury. Workers are at risk from lifting and  carrying injuries, particularly, when a load is too  

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heavy, it is difficult to grasp. When handling heavy  loads, the physical effort is strenuous and the  workers are required to bend and twist. Injuries  and conditions can include muscle sprains  and strains, injuries to muscles, ligaments,  intervertebral discs and other structures in the  back, and injuries to soft tissues, such as nerves,  ligaments and tendons in the wrists, arms,  shoulders, neck or legs.  

(b) Risk while using power tools and equipment: The employee may be required to use power tools if  he or she works in a hardware store or a business,  such as a bicycle or furniture shop where his or  her job involves assembling products. Power tools  can be extremely dangerous if not used correctly.  Common accidents associated with power tools  include abrasions, cuts, lacerations, amputations,  burns, electrocution and broken bones. 

Some other risks which turn into emergencies  at retail store include 

• Gas leaks  

• Explosions  

• Snake bite or poisoning  

• Electrocution  

• Equipment failure 

• Emergencies requiring evacuation  

• Hazardous substances and chemical spills  • Internal emergencies  

• Serious injury events or medical emergencies  • Bomb threats  

• Hostage situations or terrorism 

Risk assessment is the keystone for effective  management of health and safety.  

Types of equipment and material used in  stores for health and safety 

Following are the types of equipment and material used  in retail stores for health and safety:  

Sales Associate – Class XI 


(a) First aid kit: It is the basic thing required when  an injury occurs with employees at a retail store.  (b) Equipment for preventing and extinguishing  small fires: Many things, including heating  system, discarded cigarettes, electric appliances,  poor housekeeping or improper storage of  chemicals can start fires. Quick action can prevent  a small fire from becoming uncontrollable. Fire  extinguishers are commonly used at retail stores.  It must be available and the retail staff should be  trained how to use it. They must be of the correct  type for the hazard:  

Type A – for combustibles 

Type B – for flammable or combustible liquids  Type C – for electrical equipment 

Type ABC – for general fires 

(c) Smoke detector: A smoke detector is a device  that senses smoke, typically as an indicator  of fire. Commercial security devices issue a signal  to a fire alarm control panel as part of a fire  alarm system. 

(d) Floor markers: Floor marking is the process  of using visual cues, such as lines, shapes,  and signs on floors to make a space easier for  people to navigate. These cues divide spaces,  highlight hazards, outline workstations and  storage locations, and convey important safety or  instructional information. Floor markers are often  part of a larger visual communication system  that includes wall signs and labels like ‘Caution  Wet Floor’. 

(e) Personal protective equipment: Employers  have duties concerning the provision and  use of personal protective equipment (PPE)  at work. PPE protects users against health or  safety risks at work. It can include items, such  as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection gear,  high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety  harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective  equipment (RPE). 

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Dealing with risks at retail outlets 

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is an area  concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare  of people engaged in work or employment.  

Following are the actions to deal with health and  safety risks at retail stores: 

(a) Training: The retailer must train employees on  how to use personal protective equipments.  (b) Written certification: It is given to employees as  a proof upon acquiring formal training required  to deal with risks. The certificate contains:  • Name of employee trained 

• Date(s) of training 

• Subject of the certification 

(c) First aid: In case of health emergency at the  workplace, the injured person should be given  immediate attention and first aid before medical  help arrives.  

(d) Avoiding electrical hazards: To deal with  electrical hazards, the retail workers should  inspect the wiring. All electric boxes should be  covered. All switch boxes and circuits should  be labelled. 

(e) Avoiding musculoskeletal injuries: To deal  with musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and  strains), it is advised that employees should avoid  long periods of repetitive movement, take micro 

breaks and change positions. They should avoid  awkward positions and use an adjustable chair. (f) Avoiding risks related to lifting: For preventing  injury due to lifting, it is suggested that retail  workers lift smaller loads, by planning and  adjusting weight distribution ahead of time.  (g) Avoiding the risk of slipping: To avoid slips, it  is advised to wear fitting, non-slippery footwear.  The walkways and work areas should be clear  of boxes and other material. Any spill should be  reported to the person responsible for getting it  cleaned and placing a floor marker till it is cleaned. 


Sales Associate – Class XI 

(h) Avoiding the risk of falling: To avoid risks  related to falling from a height, it is recommended  to use a stepladder rather than crate to reach  items placed at a height. 

(i) Avoiding risk related to power tools: To avoid  risks related to any tool or equipment, if it is  operating, it is recommended not to walk until it  comes to a complete stop.  

(j) Avoiding risk of shoplifting and robbery: It  is always advised to put all equipment related to  security and surveillance in place and make sure  that notices are placed. The store must be well  lit, and a check must be kept on anyone who may  be watching the store or loitering in or around it.  Keeping a security guard will help avoid the risk  of robbery and shoplifting. 

(k) Safety data sheets: To avoid all other risks the  retailers must hand out safety data sheets to their  staff or put those on the notice board.  

Use of equipment with manufacturer’s  instruction 

It is mandatory that an equipment at the retail store is  always used as per the manufacturer’s instructions in  order to understand its operations. In a retail store, the  following are the reasons to follow the manufacturer’s  instructions.  

• Manufacturer’s instructions provide information  about the controls and wearing protective  equipment to protect against hazards associated  to a machine or equipment. 

• By reading the instructions and information  provided by the manufacturer, retailers can  potentially save their amount.  

Hence, we can say health and safety of workers in retail business are important aspects for an  organisation’s smooth and effective functioning. Good  health and safe performance ensures an accident-free  environment. 

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Activity 1 

A field visit to observe the equipment or material for health and  safety practices at a retail store 

Material required 

Checklist, notebook and pen or pencils  

Procedure  

1. Form a group of five students. 

2. Ask them to visit a retail store or a mall. 

3. Meet the store manager and greet him or her. 

4. Tell him or her the purpose of the visit and take permission  for visiting the store.  

5. Interact with the employees and ask the following questions.  Write their replies in 100 words. 

• What are the types of risk faced by the retail outlet? • What type of equipment and material are used for health  and safety of a retail store? 

• How do you deal with risks in a retail organisation? • How do you use safety equipment in a retail organisation? 6. Identify the equipment which require health and safety  instructions before use.  

7. Observe the safety equipment and collect details about the  equipment. 

8. Discuss the findings with your friends, teachers and retail  authorities. 

9. Prepare a report and submit it to your subject teacher.  

Check Your Progress

A. Fill in the blanks  

1. ___________________ may disrupt retail business  operations. 

2. A __________________ is a device that senses smoke,  typically as an indicator of fire. 

B. Multiple choice questions  

1. Risks which turn into emergencies at a retail store include  ___________________________.  

(a) uneven flooring 

(b) spills 

(c) misplaced boxes 

(d) All (a), (b) and (c) 


Sales Associate – Class XI 

2. Contact with electrical equipment can cause  _________________________. 

(a) shock 

(b) trip  

(c) slip  

(d) None of the above 

3. _______________ is a type of equipment and material used  in retail stores for health and safety. 

(a) Knife  

(b) First aid kit 

(c) Hammer  

(d) Bat  

C. State whether the following are True or False  1. There can be a number of unforeseen situations that  never are potential threats.  

2. Quick action cannot prevent a small fire from becoming  uncontrollable.  

D. Match the columns  

Column A Column B 

Smoke detector

A

Fire extinguishers

B

First aid kit

Markers 

D



1. Used for small injuries 2. Kept as a word of caution 

3.Used for preventing and  extinguishing small fires 

4. Used for protecting from harm 

Notes


5. Personal protective  equipment 


E Detects smoke or fire 

E. Short answer questions  

1. Discuss the various types of risk in a retail organisation.  

2. Explain the various types of equipment and material used  

to deal with risks. 

3. How should a retailer deal with risk? 

F. Check your performance 

1. Demonstrate the usefulness of various safety accessories  

used in a store.  

2. How to select equipment for common safety and health  

concerns and problems in given situation. 

Session 3: Dealing with Accidents  

and Emergencies 

Most retail stores are well-run and provide a safe haven  

for shoppers. Store owners do everything they can to  

make their stores hazard-free and as safe as possible  

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for their customers. Unfortunately, with thousands of  customers coming and going in retail stores every day,  there are bound to be accidents and injured customers  or workers. 

Reasons for accidents in retail stores 

There are many reasons for accidents inside a retail  store that can be hazardous to the customers. The  reasons are as follows: 

• Leaky ceilings may cause wet spots on floor • Narrow walkways 

• Uneven floor conditions  

• Unexpected fire, accidents may take place owing  to power short-circuits 

Thus, we find that retail stores are prone to  accidents and the retailers have to take precautions to  avoid such accidents. 

Meaning of emergencies 

Emergencies refer to a dangerous or serious  situation like an accident that happens and needs  immediate action. An accident may lead to  emergencies. A retailer is expected to take remedial  steps in emergency conditions. 

Emergency conditions 

There are a number of emergency conditions occuring  in a retail store, which may cause threats to the store,  employees and customers. These emergency conditions  may emerge owing to manmade mistakes or sometimes  they are natural. The various emergency conditions  occurring in a retail store are as follows: 

• Explosion 

• Insect bite 

• Rat menace  

• Electrocution 

• Slip down 

• Equipment failure 

• Extreme environmental conditions — summers,  winters, rainy, windy, lighting, etc. 


Sales Associate – Class XI 

• Hazardous substances and chemical or acid spills • Loss of power, water supply, structural collapse  • Bomb threats 

• Robberies and shootings 

These emergencies shall lead to immediate attention  and actions by the retailer. He or she must always be  alert to undertake remedial measures to tackle these  emergency situations. 

Dealing with accidents  

Injuries can be the result of several different types of  dangerous situations in retail stores. However, if an  accident occurs at the retail store, the incident must  be recorded in the ‘accident book’, if required as per the  rules of the store. The management may need to check  such records to grant sick or accident pay. Accidents  can be dealt with by  

• developing an initial plan, 

• calling for help,  

• contacting the doctor,  

• changing the layout of facility/store, or  • updating emergency procedures. 

Emergency 

There are many types of emergencies that can occur during  what started out as a ‘normal day’ in retail. A retailer  is responsible for ensuring that when an emergency  occurs, the required procedures are in place to deal with  the situation. Not planning for these events now could  result in someone being injured later. An emergency is  an unplanned critical event that could cause serious  injury, illness, death and property damage. 

A retailer or employees of a retail store must not panic  during emergencies but remain calm, check for any  other danger, protect themselves first and the injured  persons from fire, explosions or other hazards, treat most  life-threatening problems like bleeding or shock first,  check for broken bones, and if someone has injured their  spine do not move the person, and do call emergency  services like fire brigade or hospital, if required. 

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Emergency action plan 

Due to the speed with which emergencies occur, it is  important that the retailer responds appropriately.  To do this, every retail store should have emergency  response procedures based on its occupational health  and safety (OHS) policies. The retailer must ensure that  every staff member is aware of the action plan. While  developing an emergency action plan a retailer must  conduct a hazard assessment.  

An emergency action plan must communicate  the following: 

• Procedures for emergency evacuation, including  type of evacuation and exit route assignments  • Procedures to be followed by employees who  

remain to operate critical operations before they  evacuate 

• Procedures to account for all employees after  evacuation 

• Procedures to be followed by employees performing  rescue or medical duties 

• Means of reporting fires or other emergencies • The name or job title of every employee who  may be contacted by employees who need more  information about the plan or an explanation of  their duties under the plan 

Recognise when evacuation procedure starts 

A retailer wishes no emergency or disaster takes place in  retail store. Accidents and emergencies can occur with  anyone, anytime and anywhere. A disorganised mass  departure or evacuation results in injury and property  damage. That is why, when developing and following  emergency action plan, keep the following points in mind: 

• Conditions in mass departure 

• A clear chain of command in the store 

• At many places, an ‘evacuation warden’ is there  to assist others in evacuating and to account for  personnel 

• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes  and exits, are posted at accessible points for all  employees


Sales Associate – Class XI 

• Procedures for assisting staff with disabilities • Retail staff must be capable enough to recognise  when evacuating themselves 

The retailer procedures for evacuation  

The retailer procedures for evacuation include the  following points: 

• During emergency, local officials order to  evacuate the premises. In some cases, they may  instruct all employees to switch off water, gas and  electricity supply points.  

• If there is an alarm, listen attentively and follow  whatever official orders are received.  

• In other cases, a specially designated person  within the store should be responsible for making  the decision to evacuate or shut down operations.  

• Protecting the health and safety of the retail staff  and customers.  

• In case of a fire, immediately evacuate to a  predetermined safe area. 

• Assessing a situation to determine whether an  emergency exists.  

• Supervising all efforts, including evacuating  personnel.  

• Coordinating with emergency services like  medical and fire departments and inform them  when necessary.  

• Shutdown of plant operations directly. 

Activity 1 

A field visit to know how to deal with irate customers Material required 

Checklist, notebook and pen or pencils. 

Procedure 

1. Form a group of five students.  

2. Ask them to visit a retail store or a mall. 

3. Meet the store manager and greet him or her.  

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4. Tell him or her the purpose of the visit and take permission  for visiting the store.  

5. Interact with the employees and ask the following questions.  Write their replies in 100 words.  

Questions to the retailer 

• Are your customers irate with your working style? • When do they get irritated? 

• What are the reasons behind their irritation? 

• How you deal with irate customers in a retail organisation? 6. Discuss the findings with your friends, teachers and retail  authorities. 

7. Prepare a report and submit it to the subject teacher.  


Activity 2 

Prepare a chart on company procedure for evacuation Material required 

Notebook, pen/pencils and drawing sheet. 

Procedure 

1. Form a group of five students.  

2. Ask them to visit a retail store or a mall. 

3. Meet the store manager and greet him or her.  

4. Tell him or her the purpose of the visit and take permission  for visiting the store.  

5. Interact with the employees and ask questions about the  company procedure for evacuation. Write their replies in  100 words. 

6. Discuss the findings with your friends, teachers and  retail authorities. 

7. Prepare a chart on the findings and present it in the class. 

Check Your Progress

A. Fill in the blanks  

1. Unexpected fire accidents may take place owing to power  _______________. 

2. ________________ refer to a dangerous situation, such as  an accident. 

3. Accidents may lead to emergencies and need immediate  ___________________ of the retailer.  

4. The retailer is expected to take _____________________  steps in emergency conditions. 

5. Emergency situations are ______________________________. Sales Associate – Class XI 

B. Multiple choice questions  

1. Extreme environmental conditions include ______________.  (a) summer heat 

(b) cold 

(c) wet  

(d) All (a), (b) and (c) 

2. Which of the following is an emergency condition in retail  outlets?  

(a) Electrocution 

(b) Slip down 

(c) Equipment failure 

(d) All of the above 

3. To deal with an accident it is important to instantly  _____________. 

(a) develop an initial plan  

(b) declare holiday 

(c) send letters  

(d) None of the above  

4. Emergency conditions in retail include _________________. (a) explosion 

(b) insect bite 

(c) rat menace 

(d) All of the above 

C. State whether the following are True or False  1. An accident, which takes place in retail stores, may lead  to an emergency.  

2. A sales associate should protect himself or herself and the  injured person from fire, explosions or other hazards.  3. During an emergency, local officials order to evacuate  premises.  

D. Short answer questions  

1. What are accidents? 

2. How are accidents in retail dealt with? 

3. How to recognise when evacuation procedure starts? 4. Discuss the company procedure for evacuation. 

E. Check your performance 

1. Demonstrate how to deal with irate customers. 2. Prepare a chart on company procedures for evacuation. 

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Session 4: Reporting Accidents and Emergencies 

Meaning of reporting 

Reporting and recording of accidents and emergencies  are legal requirements for a retail store.  

The retail store must, therefore, notify the relevant  local authority of work-related deaths or certain work related injuries. Reporting involves 

1. instructing employees to call the police, fire or  medical emergencies, 

2. listing emergency phone numbers and asking  the employees to report all non-emergency  issues also, 

3. posting emergency phone numbers on the notice  board at retail stores, 

4. information about accidents and ill health, and 5. developing solutions for potential risks. 

Legal policies and procedures for retailers:  Accidents and emergencies 

The retail stores need to plan for emergencies and  special procedures need to be formulated by retailers  in addition to the adoption of provision of relevant laws.  The emergencies should be attended to immediately.  Quick and effective action by retailers may help ease  the situation and reduce or avoid the consequence  and loss of property and life. Therefore, the retail store  staff must be trained and be competent enough to tackle  the emergencies. 

Procedure and legal requirements 

Normally, the retailers have to follow the following  procedures when an emergency and accidents situations  arise:  

• First aid should be made available to reduce  seriousness of injury. 

• Notify accidents or emergencies to the store  supervisor. 

• Restrict entry in the danger zone to avoid risk of  harming others. 


Sales Associate – Class XI 

• Warming alarms should be activated to alert the  staff and customers in the store. 

• Fire extinguishers should be used as per their  operating procedures.  

• Concerned officials like ambulance, fire brigade  and police should be informed about emergencies  and accidents. 

• Call the emergency services and guide them to  reach retailer’s premises. 

• Make use of emergency lighting and exit doors to  reach a place of safety. 

• Alert people who are trained to meet the  emergencies. 

System of reporting accidents and  emergencies to right persons 

It is important to report to the relevant enforcing  authority — employers, or in certain circumstances  others who control or manage the premises and keep  records — of injuries, accidents and emergencies about: 

• work-related deaths, 

• work-related accidents which cause injuries to  the retail staff, and 

• injuries to customers in a retail store.  

In this way the accidents and emergencies are  reported in a retail store. 

Activity 1 

A field visit to know the retailer’s procedure of reporting accidents  and emergencies 

Material required 

Checklist, notebooks and pen or pencils  

Procedure 

1. Form a group of five students.  

2. Ask them to visit a retail store or a mall located in your area. 3. Meet the store manager and greet him or her.  

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4. Tell him or her the purpose of the visit and take permission  for visiting the store.  

5. Interact with the employees and ask questions about the  retail procedure of reporting accidents and emergencies.  Write their replies in 100 words.  

6. Discuss the findings with your friends, teachers and  retail authorities. 

7. Prepare a report and submit it to the subject teacher.  

Activity 2 

Role-play on reporting accidents and emergencies to the  right persons.  

Material required 

Notebook, pen or pencils and drawing sheet 

Procedure  

1. Divide the class into groups of three each. 

2. Ask them to perform the following activities in a retail lab. Role-play situation 

A customer enters a retail store to buy some goods but  suddenly slips on the floor and gets injured on the head.  Now, try to explain how a trainee associate will deal with the  accident and report to the higher management. 

Role of students 

1st student: Customer 

2nd student: Customer trainee associate  

3rd student: Store manager  

3. Finish the role-play within the time allotted to you. 4. Discuss the learnings from the activity and points to  be covered. 

5. Share your views before and after the role-play activity. 

Check Your Progress 

A. Fill in the blanks  

1. ____________________ and recording of accidents and  emergencies are legal requirements for a retail store. 

2. ____________________ is used to reduce the seriousness of  an injury. 

3. ____________________ danger area to avoid risk of harming  others and then attend emergency cases.  

B. State whether the following are True or False  1. Fire extinguishers should be used as per their operating  procedures.


Sales Associate – Class XI 

2. Competent people who are trained to meet the emergencies  need not be alerted. 

C. Match the columns  

Column A Column B 

First aid 

Emergency equipment

Work-related accidents 

Warning alarms 



1.cause serious injuries to  workers 

2.reduce the seriousness of  the injury 

3. trained to meet the  emergencies 

4. fire extinguishers 

5. Competent people E activated to alert the staff  and customers in the store 

D. Short answer questions  

1. What is the meaning of reporting? 

2. Discuss the retailer procedures for dealing with accidents  and emergencies. 

3. What is the system of reporting accidents and emergencies  to the right person? 

E. Check your performance  

1. Demonstrate the procedure to deal with accidents and  emergencies. 

2. Perform a role-play on reporting accidents and emergencies  to the right persons. 

Notes

141 

Health and Safety Management

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