Manual task solutions for small retailers (PDF, 1.17

Manual Task Solutions
for Small Retailers
Produced by Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland.
Funded by Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2009.

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Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland would like to thank Colorado Group, Zelows Travelgoods and Handbags and
The Natural Foodstore for their assistance in the development and preparation of this resource.
> Disclaimer
The information provided in this resource is distributed as an information source only, and neither represents nor is intended to be advice on any particular matter.
The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein. No person should act
specifically on the basis of the material herein without considering and taking professional advice. For specific information on matters discussed in this resource please
refer to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.
Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this publication, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland, including its directors, servants and agents, will not accept
any responsibility or liability to any person or corporation seeking to rely on any information, advice, or opinion provided in this publication or otherwise given in any
matter by the directors, servants or agents of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland for any loss or damage of whatever nature suffered by any such person or
corporation.

Table of
Contents
Introduction
> What are strain and sprain injuries?
How do strain and sprain injuries occur?
Manual Tasks
> How are hazardous manual tasks managed?
Control Options
> Design Controls
> Administrative Controls
Hazard 1: Work above shoulder height
> Solutions
Hazard 2: Work below knee height
> Solutions
Hazard 3: Handling large, bulky and heavy stock items
> Solutions
Hazard 4: Using unsuitable materials handling equipment (MHE)
> Solutions
Hazard 5: Multiple handling of stock
> Solutions
Hazard 6: Point of sale
> Solutions
Hazard 7: Using ladders and steps
> Solutions
Hazard 8: Moving displays, racks, fixtures and fittings
> Solutions
Hazard 9: Sustained standing
> Solutions
Hazard 10: Peak times of the year
> Solutions
Useful Contacts & Further Information
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Introduction
Strain and sprain injuries are the single most frequent injury type for which
workers’ compensation claims are made in Queensland.
According to the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Retail and Wholesale
Industry Statistical Update 2005-06, manual tasks are the main contributor to
sprain and strain injuries and present a major hazard in retail.
The nature of work
performed in the
retail industry
presents a number
of challenges that
can contribute to
strain and sprain
injuries.
For example, stock
is often handled
many times from
receipt to point of
sale which results in
repetitive body
stressing.
Storage space in
stockrooms is
usually kept to a
minimum to
maximise the size of
the trading floor.
This often results in
stock being stored
? Did you know?
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in every possible
metre of available
space, including
areas with awkward
access and above
shoulder height
locations and areas
requiring multiple
movements to
access stock, which
encourages risk
taking behaviour.
This resource will
describe 10 of the
most common
manual task hazards
in retail and provide
practical and cost
effective solutions
to manage these
hazards.
What are strain and sprain injuries?
Strain and sprain injuries are injuries of the
musculoskeletal system.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon due to
body stressing, whereas a sprain is a traumatic
stretching or tearing injury to a ligament or joint
capsule.
> Strain and sprain injuries accounted for 63% of workers’ compensation claims
> A third of injuries are to the lower back, 14% to the shoulder and 10% to the knee
> Lifting, carrying or putting down objects causes 41% of injuries
> Another 19% of injuries are due to handling objects and 14% are as a result of falls on the same level

How do strain and sprain
injuries occur?
Strains and sprains occur
when the body’s tissues are
stressed beyond their ability to
withstand the stress.
Sprain injuries often occur
from a single traumatic
incident such as rolling an
ankle. Strain injuries however,
generally occur from repeated
body stressing over a period
of time and include injuries to
the lower back, shoulder and
knee.
There are three main types of
risk factors that contribute
to the development of strain
and sprain injuries. Direct
stressors are the factors which
directly stress the body. When
one or more of the direct
stressors are present, the task
is a hazardous manual task.
Whether direct stressors are
present or not depends on
the demands and nature of
the task which is influenced
by contributing risk factors.
For example, a task may
require workers to exert
high force (direct stressor)
to handle stock due to the
size and weight of the carton
(contributing risk factor).
The third class of risk factors
are modifying risk factors,
which can influence the
impact of other risk factors.
For example, insufficient
staffing levels can lead to an
increase in the duration and
frequency of a manual task.
> Main Risk Factors
As per the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Manual Tasks
Code of Practice 2000
Risk Factor Description Retail Examples
Direct Stressors: Stressors that directly stress the body
Forceful Exertion Exerting high force and rapid movements > Handling heavy master cartons which
to lift, hold, carry or move loads.
are awkward and difficult to grip
comfortably.
Working Postures Awkward postures and/or static postures:
> Awkward postures are those where a
joint or joints are not in their normal
position.
> A static posture is where muscular
force is required to hold joints in a
fixed position for a sustained period
of time.
Duration The amount of time exposed to risk factors
without a break or rotation of tasks.
Repetition Making the same movement over and over.
> Reaching above shoulder height to
handle stock on shelves.
> Unpacking cartons from closely placed
pallets.
> Stretching out to reach over stock
stored on the floor due to poor
housekeeping.
> Extended trading hours for special
events such as Christmas.
> Extended period of time working
alone.
> Scanning stock items at point of sale.
> Breaking down and packing stock onto
display shelving.
Contributing Risk Factors: Factors that directly influence the task demands
Work Area Design The positioning of different elements
of the work area, such as work heights,
dictate the postures used and the force
exerted.
Hand Tool Use Types of hand tools influence upper limb
postures and static muscular efforts.
Nature of Loads Relates to the size, shape and stability of
loads.
Load Handling Relates to the transfer of loads in the
workplace.
Modifying Risk Factors: Can influence the impact of other risk factors
Individual Factors Relates to the skills and experience, work
fitness and physical characteristics of the
people performing the task.
Work Organisation Work organisation factors can intensify
task demands by increasing the duration
of exposure, increasing the frequency the
task is performed, and/or reducing recovery
time.
> Limited size stock room results in
stock stored above shoulder height or
in areas that are difficult to access.
> Using hand held scanners.
> Flat pack furniture is often heavy,
large and asymmetrical.
> Stock that is heavy and awkward to
grip, such as containers holding 10-20
litres of liquids, bags of pool salt, etc.
> Multiple handling of stock items from
receipt to point of sale – the same
stock may be handled at least three
times.
> Workers’ age, fitness, strength and
height.
> Whether workers are ‘work hardened’.
> Where there are too few staff for the
load demands.
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> Manual Tasks
A manual task is any activity where a person is required to exert force to lift,
lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any object.
> How are hazardous manual tasks managed?
The best way to manage
hazardous manual tasks is by
adopting a risk management
approach.
The Manual Tasks Code of
Practice 2000 describes the
risk management process as
follows:
1 > Risk Identification
Identify the problem jobs
which need investigating.
Not all manual tasks are
hazardous. Manual tasks are
not hazardous if there are no
direct stressors present.
Actively encourage employees
to identify hazardous manual
handling tasks.
Problem jobs can be identified
in a number of ways,
including:
> when changes are made to
the workplace
> by workers reporting
discomfort or difficulties
with a task
> if an injury occurs.
2 > Risk Assessment
Analyse the problem tasks to
identify which of the direct
stressors are present and
identify the contributing risk
factors and modifying risk
factors that are causing the
direct stressors.
Carefully observe the task
being performed and talk to
workers performing the task.
The use of photographs and
video are helpful to carefully
study the tasks.
3 > Risk Control
It is the contributing risk
factors and modifying risk
factors that need to be
controlled because they cause
the direct stressors.
Consider all of the options to
control the risk factor and
select the best option
available (see Control Options
on the next page).
Once you have selected the
control options, put them in
place and then review to make
sure the control option is
working as intended.

Control Options
There are two main categories of risk controls for manual tasks - design and
administrative controls.
> Design Controls
Design controls involve the alteration of
work processes or physical aspects of the
workplace such as equipment and
workstations.
Design controls are preferred because they:
> can eliminate or minimise exposure to
the risk factors
> are permanent
> do not rely on human performance.
There are two main types of design
controls:
1. Job Design/Redesign: Design of the
work area, tools, equipment and loads
being handled.
2. Materials Handling Equipment (MHE):
MHE reduces the muscular effort
required to do the job. Examples of
MHE includes trolleys, pallet jacks,
conveyers and rollers.
> Administrative Controls
Administrative controls involve modifying existing personnel functions such as job rotation and
rostering. Administrative controls are not as effective as design controls because they do not remove
the risk factor, they only reduce exposure to the risk factor.
In addition, administrative controls require ongoing supervision and may be forgotten during busy
times because they rely on human performance.
There are three main types of administrative controls:
1. Work Organisation: Such as rotation of workers and smoothing of workflow peaks.
Height of trolley floor raised to reduce
trunk bending to access stock
2. Task-specific Training: Training in work methods for specific tasks such as handling methods and
the use of tools and materials handling equipment (MHE).
3. Preventative Maintenance Programs: By servicing and maintaining tools and equipment the effort
required to operate them is reduced.
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> Hazard 1:
Work above shoulder height
> Performing manual tasks
above shoulder height
places the shoulders,
neck and spine at risk of
strain injury.
> Handling stock above
shoulder height is a high
risk manual task. The
risk is increased where
the stock is heavy, the
task is repeated
frequently and/or the
stock is handled above
head height.
> The risk of injury is also
increased where high
force is required to be
exerted. High force
activities can include
opening cartons,
breaking glue between
cartons or freeing
jammed stock.
> Generally, retailers want
to maximise their selling
floor space and minimise
the size of their storage
space. This lack of
storage room often
results in retailers storing
stock to the ceiling of
the stock room. Workers
may frequently have to
reach well above their
shoulders to access the
stock and may also
require a ladder to access
the stock.
> Retailers usually try to
maximise the amount of
space they have to
display their stock on the
trading floor. As such,
they often display items
almost to the ceiling of
the trading floor.
Workers may frequently
have to reach above
shoulder or even head
height to access the
stock.
> When handling loads
above shoulder height,
the risk is increased
further when the load is
at arm’s reach away from
the body.
Examples of reaching above head
height to access stock

*Solutions
> Carefully plan the set
up of the stockroom
considering the nature
of the stock carried
as well as other items
stored, such as fittings,
promotional items and
packaging materials:
> Place highest volume
lines and heaviest lines
between knee and
shoulder height.
> Avoid storing items such
as stock, fittings and
packaging above head
height where possible.
> Place only light, compact,
items that are rarely
accessed, above shoulder
height.
> Position items on shelves
above shoulder height at
the front of the storage
shelf to avoid over
reaching to access stock.
> Carefully plan the set
up of the trading floor
considering the nature of
the stock carried:
> Place the fastest moving
lines between knee and
shoulder height.
> Place the light, slower
moving lines above
shoulder height and
attach a sign asking
customers to request
assistance.
> Use the area above
head height for visual
merchandising only.
> Place dummy cartons
(with the goods removed)
on the top display shelves
or use this space for visual
merchandising only.
> Use an industrial ladder
to access items above
shoulder height.
> Label shelving and racks
to indicate what stock is
to be stored where.
> Identify appropriate
locations for the storage
of fittings, promotional
items and packaging, and
ensure items are stored in
the correct locations.
> Review inventory levels to
minimise stock on hand.
> Carefully plan delivery
times and days to receive
stock when the stock
room is least full.
> Ensure the stockroom is
tidy and ready to receive
anticipated deliveries.
> Set a maximum height
at which items may be
stored. Indicate this
height with signage or by
marking a line on the wall.
> Adjust the height of
stockroom storage shelves
to allow for more storage
below shoulder height.
> Consider options to avoid
the need to use ladders
or steps, such as using a
Using a step ladder to
access stock
Using a pole to access
shoe boxes
hook to access high stock.
The hook must securely
grip the stock to prevent
the risk of stock falling
from heights - test that the
hook has securely gripped
the stock before bringing it
down.
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> Hazard 2:
Work below knee height
> Frequently handling
items where the hands
are below knee height is
defined as a high risk
manual task due to the
potentially awkward
posture adopted to
access the item.
> The risk is further
increased where
handling items below
knee height is performed
frequently, where heavy
or bulky items are
handled and/or where
high force is exerted to
handle the load.
> High force may be
exerted when performing
such activities as:
> removing packaging
and stretch wrap from
pallets
> breaking glue to
separate boxes or
product
> dragging heavy or
sticking objects
> opening boxes
> reaching beyond arm’s
length in order to pull
or access objects stored
below knee height.
> Stock positioned on the
floor of the stock room
or trading floor requires
workers to adopt poor
posture to handle items
below knee height.
> Shelving above the stock
may require workers to
stoop or bend and
possibly stretch
awkwardly to reach
items at the back.
> Uneven, damaged
shelving, flooring or
pallet surfaces prevents
stock from being easily
slid forward to the front
before being picked up.
> Displaying stock on the
trading floor, such as
building a floor stack,
may require workers to
perform multiple tasks
below knee height.
> Using a low trolley, such
as a shopping trolley, to
transport small items of
stock will require work
below knee height.
Working with the hands below
the knee height encourages
awkward spinal postures

*Solutions
> Store heavy and bulky lines above knee height and below shoulder height.
> Reduce the frequency of handling items below knee height by avoiding storing high volume
lines below knee height.
> Raise the height at which stock is stored. For example, palletised stock can be raised on
another pallet or on racking beams.
> Improve access to stock stored at the rear by raising the height of shelving or racking
beams above.
> Use smooth surfaces such as ply wood to slide stock at the rear forward.
> Turn pallets of stock so that stock at the rear is brought to the front.
> Leading practice is to use a height adjustable pallet lifter to raise the base of the pallet.
For smaller items and slower moving lines, use roller shelves on an incline to gravity feed
product to the front of the shelf.
> Where possible, when moving into new premises review storage areas and modify existing
shelving to minimise work below knee height.
Height of trolley floor
raised to reduce trunk
bending to access stock
Optimum zone is between
shoulder and knee height
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> Hazard 3:
Handling large, bulky and heavy stock items
> Master cartons (outer
cartons/shippers) that
contain multiple units
may be excessively heavy
and/or bulky.
> Stock items such as flat
packs, furniture, white
goods and hardware, are
awkward to move due to
their size and shape.
This may lead to workers
adopting awkward
postures and/or exerting
high force to handle the
items.
> Stock stored in bags or
sacks, such as potting
mix, pool chlorine or
cement, are awkward to
handle. The contents can
move and the bag or
sack may deform,
requiring high force to
be exerted to handle the
load. Bags and sacks can
also be difficult to grasp.
> Large, bulky items may
be difficult to handle as
the centre of gravity is
off centre, requiring
uneven force.
> Handling items on
trolleys, where the load
weight exceeds the rated
load of the trolley, may
cause damage to the
trolley and can require
high force to move.
> Where cartons of stock
are not labelled or not
accurately labelled with
stock weight, there is no
warning to workers
before they commence
handling the load.
> Poor quality or damaged
packaging can make the
load unstable and
difficult to handle.
> Damaged or uneven
flooring and/or shelving
surfaces can require
workers to lift heavy or
bulky items, as the
damage prevents them
from being slid.
> Large cartons repacked
at the store can be
packed with excessive
weight.
> Insufficient space in the
stock room and on the
trading floor may restrict
the ability to manoeuvre
large, bulky stock,
resulting in high force
required to manoeuvre
the stock.
Examples of heavy master cartons stacked
above shoulder height by couriers

*Solutions
> Advise the supplier of
the maximum acceptable
weight of master cartons.
You may need to join
forces with like retailers
to request smaller pack
sizes from suppliers. The
paint industry has recently
successfully removed 20L
paint containers, and wine
makers are now supplying
half dozen cartons.
> Request that the supplier
label the carton with the
carton weight. In the
short term, label or mark
cartons with the weight on
receipt.
> Use materials handling
equipment (MHE) that is
fit for purpose to move
stock, such as flat bed
trolleys, two wheel trolleys
or pallet jacks.
> Advise delivery personnel
where to place stock and
stipulate maximum height
for it to be stacked.
> Consider opportunities for
displaying stock on the
trading floor in the master
carton or on pallets (such
as terracotta pots).
> Unpack heavy master
cartons from the position
in which they are received;
that is, the floor, pallet or
trolley, so that the heavy
master carton does not
need to be handled when
full.
> Team lifting is an option,
but not without risk,
and should only be used
in circumstances where
options for redesign or
using mechanical aids
have been investigated
and are not practicable.
> Handling of large, bulky
or awkward items should
ideally only occur between
shoulder and knee height.
> Design the stockroom
to allow large, bulky or
awkward items to be slid
and trolleyed instead of
carried. For example, store
large, bulky items at the
same height as the trolley
and ensure the storage
surface will allow the
stock to slide.
> Store heavy, bulky stock
items between shoulder
and knee height.
> Provide adequate access to
heavy, bulky stock items in
the stock room to prevent
awkward postures. For
example, walk in pallet
racking where the second
level beam is more than
1.8 metres in height.
Use appropriate materials handling
equipment (MHE) to move stock
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> Hazard 4:
Using unsuitable materials handling
equipment (MHE)
> Using shopping trolleys
to store and move stock
encourages excessive
bending and reaching, as
well as poor movement
patterns.
> Overloading MHE with
stock weight that
exceeds the safe working
load of the MHE can
damage the MHE and
can require excessive
force to handle.
> Overloading MHE with
stock so that the
operator is unable to
look in the direction of
travel can encourage the
operator to adopt
awkward postures to
improve visibility.
> Poorly maintained MHE
wheels and castors
require workers to exert
additional force to move
or control the MHE. For
example, packing
material such as plastic
wrap and string can get
caught in wheels and
castors.
> Operating the MHE on
rough, uneven or
damaged floor surfaces
requires the worker to
exert additional force to
move or control the
MHE.
> Incorrect MHE wheels for
the type of floor surface
can lead to excessive
wear of the wheels and
can require additional
force to be exerted.
> Operating wheeled MHE
on slopes or ramps
requires the operator to
exert additional force.
> Use of powered MHE
that the operator is not
competent to operate
can be hazardous.
Poor trunk posture from bending
into deep shopping trolley
Damaged MHE wheels

*Solutions
> When selecting materials handling equipment (MHE) consider:
> the size and weight of the stock that needs to be moved
> the maximum weight that the MHE will need to carry
> where the stock is to be moved to and from
> the type of surfaces the MHE will operate on
> where the stock is to be stored, for example, will the stock be lifted into storage racks?
> the amount of space available to manoeuvre the MHE
> the amount of space available to store the MHE
> the training and competency required to use the MHE.
> Regularly inspect MHE for damage and wear.
> Conduct preventative maintenance on MHE to ensure correct and safe operation.
> Establish, communicate and reinforce a process for staff to report damage and wear to
MHE.
> Consider trialing MHE before committing to purchase the equipment. Many MHE suppliers
can provide MHE for short term trials.
> Maintain a high level of housekeeping on the floor of the stock room and trading floor to
prevent the MHE wheels and castors fouling on packing material on the floor.
Top shelf suitable for
small items
Flap trolleys suitable for
large stock items
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*
Solutions
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> Advise delivery personnel
where to place stock and
stipulate the maximum
height for it to be stacked.
> Review stock levels
and lead times for
opportunities to reduce
stock on hand stored
in the stockroom and
consider storing some
lines on the trading
floor only. Consider
opportunities for
displaying stock on
the trading floor in the
master carton. This
is often called retail
> Hazard 5:
Multiple handling of stock
> Stock is frequently
handled multiple times
from the point of receipt
at the store, to sale. As a
minimum, stock is
unpacked, stored in the
stock room, placed on
show, then handled at
point of sale.
> The risk is increased
where:
> the stock is heavy and/or
large and bulky to handle
> the stock is moved with
ready packaging and
is becoming popular in
grocery retail.
> Break up tasks involving
repetitive movements,
such as stacking shelves,
into smaller tasks and
alternate the tasks.
> Plan the stockroom to
avoid having to move
stock to access the stock
you need.
> Design the point of sale
area so that repetitive
stock handling is
conducted at waist height.
the body in an awkward
posture, such as above
shoulder height or below
knee level
> high force is required to
handle the item, such as
to open cartons and free
jammed stock.
Examples of retail ready packaging
on a pallet on the selling floor

Hazard 6:
Point of sale
> Handling of heavy stock
lines at the register to
scan the barcode.
> Repetitive handling of
stock to scan and bag.
> Risk is increased where
repetitive movements are
performed in awkward
postures, such as over
reaching to access stock.
Hand held scanners allow heavy stock to
be scanned without handling it
*
Solutions
> Use scan cards or quick
keys (pre-programmed
into register) instead of
lifting heavy, bulky items.
> For multiple items, scan
one item and then enter
the number of units on
the register.
> Cut off barcode from
item and scan barcode if
possible.
> Request that customers
leave heavy items in the
trolley and use handheld
scanner to scan item in
trolley.
Repetitive handling of stock items at point of sale -
due to the design of the workstation, the operator
has to overreach to the side to access stock
> Rotate point of sale
operation with other
duties within the store
that use different parts of
the body.
> Design the layout of the
point of sale workstation
to eliminate the need
for staff to overreach to
handle stock.
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> Hazard 7:
Using ladders and steps
> Using a ladder or step
that does not have the
load carrying capacity
may damage and weaken
the ladder. For example,
using a ladder that is
rated for domestic use
only.
> Workers not using
ladders or steps, but are
overreaching to access
stock above shoulder
height.
> Inappropriate items used
to gain height, such as
climbing fixtures, using
upside down milk crates,
etc.
> Stepping back from a
ladder or step and
twisting an ankle on
stock or other items on
the floor behind ladder.
> Overreaching from top of
ladder or step that is too
short for purpose.
> Insufficient space in
stockroom and/or sales
floor to use ladder or to
use ladder opened
correctly.
> Using ladders or steps
that are damaged and
may fail whilst in
operation.
> When stock is carried by
the worker as they step
down from a ladder or
step, the worker does not
have three points of
contact and is at risk of
falling.
Climbing fixtures to gain
height is unsafe
Insufficient space to open ladder fully

*Solutions
> Ensure the condition
of ladders and steps
is regularly reviewed
as part of the hazard
identification checklist.
> Select and obtain
industrial rated ladders
and steps that are fit for
purpose. Consider:
> the height required to
reach
> the weight of both the
average employee and the
weight of objects being
carried
> the floor area available for
the base of the ladder or
step
> what the worker will be
doing on the ladder or
step
> where the ladder or step
will be stored.
> Select ladders and steps
that have a large standing
platform at the top.
> Maintain a high standard
of housekeeping in the
stockroom. This includes
ensuring the stockroom
floor is free from stock
and packing material that
could obstruct the ladder
and/or obstruct a worker’s
access to a ladder.
> Remove items from the
store room that may be
used inappropriately to
gain height, such as milk
crates.
> Train workers to use the
ladder to access stock
above shoulder height
and then place the stock
item on a lower shelf so
that the worker can climb
down without holding the
stock.
> Train workers on when to
use the ladder or step and
how to use them safely.
> Supervise workers to
ensure they use the ladder
or step when and how
they should.
> Consider options to avoid
the need to use ladders
or steps, such as using
a hook or pole to access
high stock. The hook must
securely grip the stock to
prevent the risk of stock
falling from heights.
> Avoid performing work
whilst up the ladder. For
example, when dressing
mannequins, they should
be brought down to the
floor and redressed first,
and then taken back up.
Ladder in use
Using a pole to access
shoe boxes
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Hazard 8:
Moving displays, racks,
fixtures and fittings
> Heavy fixtures and
displays are moved
around the sales floor
periodically. Excessive
force may need to be
exerted in awkward
postures to move the
fixtures and displays.
> Mobile fixtures displaying
stock may be moved in
front of the store on
opening, and moved back
into the store at closing
on a daily basis.
*
Solutions
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> Avoid moving fixtures
wherever possible.
> Minimise the need to
relay the store by carefully
considering store layout at
design stage.
> Install castors on regularly
moved fixtures and
displays, such as those
which are moved in
front of the store during
opening.
> Select castors appropriate
for the type of floor
surface, and the size and
> Injuries may occur when
horizontal brackets
become jammed in
vertical strips.
> Lacerations and strains
may occur when glass
fittings are being moved.
> Wheeled displays with
castors that are not
maintained increase the
risk of force required to
be exerted to move the
displays.
weight of the mobile
fixture.
> Conduct periodic
preventative maintenance
on castors.
> Establish a process and
train workers to report
when wheels or castors
require servicing or repair.
> Use materials handling
equipment such as trolleys
to move fixtures where
possible.
> Identify items that require
more than one worker
> Mannequins tend to be
bottom heavy and can be
very difficult to move whilst
maintaining a neutral spinal
posture.
to move; communicate
this requirement to all
workers. Team lifting
should only be used where
design control measures
are not possible.
> Consider weight and size
when selecting visual
merchandising aids
such as mannequins.
Select light weight
and/or modular visual
merchandising aids
wherever possible.

Hazard 9:
Sustained standing
> Workers experience aching legs and feet from sustained
standing on hard floor surfaces.
> Workers experience low back pain from standing for
long periods due to tendency to stand in a sway back
posture.
> Workers wearing inappropriate footwear especially in
fashion retail, such as heels and slides. This choice of
footwear can contribute to slips, trips and falls, as well
as aching legs and feet and low back pain.
*
Solutions
> Comfortable footwear
with a low heel should be
worn.
> Use anti-fatigue matting
where possible, such as
behind the checkout. Be
aware that matting can
be a trip hazard, so ensure
the edges of the mat are
bevelled and sit flat on the
floor.
> Rotate workers to avoid
them having to stand in
one spot for long periods.
> Provide a stool for workers
to sit down on for short
periods when not serving
customers.
> Provide a horizontal bar
or rail at the base of the
counter for foot support,
Horizontal bar/rail for
foot support eases back
strain - Manual Tasks
Code of Practice 2000
Use anti-fatigue matting
behind the counter
Use anti-fatigue matting
behind the counter
tilting the hips and easing
strain on the lower back.
> Provide adequate
amenities, including
comfortable seating
for employees, during
designated breaks.
21

High volumes of stock restrict
access in stock room
*Solutions
22
> Consider options for
access to additional stock
without having to store
on-site, such as:
> off-site storage of stock
(most shopping centres
hire off-site store rooms).
Consider how the stock
can be safely transported
from the-off site storage
facility to the store, for
example, using a trolley.
> Hazard 10:
Peak times of the year
> For many retailers, there
are seasonal peaks in
trade such as Christmas,
end of season sales,
Easter, back to school,
etc.
> Increased amount of
stock in stockroom and
on sales floor can
potentially result in:
> an increase in the height
at which stock is stored
> reduced room to move
safely and to use
materials handing
equipment and ladders.
> Increased sale of stock
results in workers
> arranging additional
deliveries of stock.
> Plan stock deliveries for
the quietest time of the
day or week to allow stock
to be put away before
peak trade times.
> Consider hiring casual
staff to cover longer
trading hours and to cover
peak times.
handling a larger
amount of stock per
shift.
> Workers may work
longer hours during
peak periods.
> When busy, workers
may tend to rush and
cut corners.
> High volumes of stock
may be stored for
extended periods before
the peak time to ensure
stock arrives in time.
> Ensure rostering
appropriately matches
peak trading times.
> Implement a
communication method,
such as a book, that
can be used to discuss
impending deliveries,
where stock should be
stored and hazards that
require attention.

Useful
Contacts
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Infoline: 1300 369 915
Web: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland
Phone: 07 3842 2244
Email: whs@cciq.com.au
Web: www.cciq.com.au
> Further
Information
Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/law/codes/manualtasks/index.htm
A Guide to Handling Large, Bulky or Awkward Items: Worksafe Victoria
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Forms+and+Publications/
Publications/import_Large%2C+Bulky+or+Awkward+Items%2C+A+Guide+to+Handling
Serious about Safe Business Pack: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/business/smallbusiness/businesspack/index.htm
A Guide to Manual Order Picking: Worksafe Victoria
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Forms+and+Publications/
Publications/import_Manual+Order+Picking%2C+A+Guide+to
Small Business Program: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/business/smallbusiness/index.htm
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