OSHA Regulations for Retail Stores

Retail employees assisting a customer at the cash register.
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The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces laws and regulations aimed at promoting employee health and welfare. Because late-night workers often face job-related security risks, such as assault and robbery, OSHA has implemented guidance designed to protect late-night workers from violence.

Increased Safety Precautions

OSHA suggests that employers implement safety precautions to avoid workplace illness or injury, including adequate lighting, beeping door alarms and curved mirrors for visibility in concealed areas.

Read More: Safety Precautions in the Workplace

Training Programs

OSHA recommends that employers implement training programs to protect late-night retail workers from violence. The agency says a training program should include skills for handling verbal and non-verbal threats from customers or fellow employees and tips on reporting incidences of workplace violence.

Work Site Analysis

OSHA suggests that employers analyze the work site for potential health or safety risks, including crime or employee illness. For example, an employer should analyze neighborhood crime patterns or statistics and inform employees of past neighborhood crime.

Documentation

OSHA recommends that employers document workplace illness or injury and maintain these records for a period of time. Documentation should include information about the date, time and nature of the illness or injury. The agency also recommends that employers maintain information about the extent of the illness or injury and its approximate cost to the employer.

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