• What are the general duties of someone who works in retail sales and service, or in a similar job that involves working with the public?
• What are some health and safety issues for retail sales and service personnel?
• What are some preventive measures for retail sales and service personnel?
• What are some good general safe work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What are the general duties of someone who works in retail sales and service, or in a similar job that involves working with the public?

Some of the main duties of sales and service personnel in stores, hotels and other locations are to:

• Greet customers and discuss details of the transaction
• Determine method of payment, and prepare bills, invoices and other documents
• Assemble displays of merchandise
• Maintain internal record-keeping systems

What are some health and safety issues for retail sales and service personnel?

• Exposure to various chemicals and materials, which may include paints, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, perfumes, or cleaning products
• Indoor air quality
• Repetitive manual tasks or working in awkward positions
• Risk of back injury from pushing, pulling or lifting objects
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Slips, trips and falls
• Risk of overhead materials falling
• Working on ladders or other potentially unstable structures
• Risk of violent attack
• Working alone
• Stress
• Fatigue or other health effects of shift work or extended work days

What are some preventive measures for retail sales and service personnel?

• Learn safe lifting procedures.
• Avoid or take frequent breaks from awkward body positions.
• Wear appropriate footwear for your comfort and safety.
• Keep all work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
• Learn safe handling and storage procedures before working with chemicals.

What are some good general safe work practices?

• Practice safe lifting.
• Find ways to minimize musculoskeletal disorders on the job.
• Take all safety precautions when working on ladders.
• Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone, or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Learn about chemical safety, WHMIS and MSDSs
• Know how to report a hazard
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

Want more information?

Document last updated on August 27, 2004

Copyright ©1997-2013 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety