Retail Store Safety & Security Training

The retail store has its own set of safety and security needs

Retail safety and loss prevention teams require training in local laws, store policy and best practices, which filter down to a unique set of job training requirements. Unlike other security jobs in an industrial or residential building, retail security has to deal with an influx of thousands of customers and this requires special training. This training needs to be in line with the store's image and branding to allow for a functional team that does not discourage shoppers.

Health and safety

All employees should have basic safety training

At a minimum, all employees are typically given formal workplace violence, workplace ergonomics, fire safety and blood borne pathogen seminars, sometimes via computer.

Training standards

Uniformed security

Several states have minimum standards for uniformed security guards. For instance, New York requires 24 hours of training, even for unarmed security personnel.

Store detectives

Plainclothes store detectives are generally unarmed and are often skipped in minimum security training mandates. This is because they are unarmed and often serve only a surveillance role, identifying shoplifters and employee theft. To maintain a more professional team, many stores hire former police and military men for these jobs.

Greeters

Another element in the retail safety and security team is greeters stationed at exit and entry points. They are trained to check receipts and monitor both safety issues and potential shoplifters.

Safety personnel

safety personnel

Some large stores utilize a safety associate whose job is to maintain hazardous spills, check fire extinguishers and keep emergency exits and escape routes clear of obstructions. Specialized training is sometimes given on reading and understanding OSHA regulations and Material Safety Data Sheets.

References

• California Security Guard Training Requirements
• American Red Cross Health and Safety Training
• New York State Security Officer Training Requirements
• OSHA training

Resources

• The Loss Prevention Foundation