Looking after your staff

Posted: 20.04.09  |  Created by:

Retailers have a responsibility to protect the occupational health, safety and welfare of staff. All stores should have an OHS&W policy in place. A study by the Shop Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) surveyed 1,000 workers and managers and made several recommendations which retailers might include in their own policy to ensure this change does not affect the welfare of staff.

• Ensure all your workers are trained for manual handling, OHS&W and workplace stressIf offering ‘green’ reusable bags as an alternative to lightweight, checkout-style plastic bags, order bags which:
• match the dimensions of the current ‘green’ bag (height 33cm, base 30cm x 20cm)
  
• are made from durable material with strong handles, hooks and a firm, rectangular base
  
• preferably have clear washing instructions printed on them.
  
• Use common sense and do not overfill bags.
  
• Instruct staff to politely decline any customers’ bags which are dirty or damaged.
  
• If possible, review your checkout, counter and workplace design to accommodate the packing and use of reusable bags.