Retail Store Safety Checklist

Your retail store must be safe for both employees and customers at all times. It is important to maintain an environment which protects potential customers so that you can avoid costly accidents and even limit liability. When you’re in retail, there are possible threats that cannot be overlooked. Use our retail store safety checklist to make sure you and your employees are risk-free. 

 Parking Lot, Sidewalks & Ramps

  • Sufficient lighting

  • Surface should have no holes or trash (depending on the season, no leaves or debris)

  • Obstructions must be well marked

  • All parking areas and travel lanes must be marked

  • No Parking emergency areas should be clearly identified

  • Cart stalls should be in good repair 

General Store Conditions

  • Automatic doors are functioning properly

  • Door mats are in good condition

  • Bubble gum machines, toy machines, key machines, etc., are secured and are not in danger of tipping over

  • Cash registers, kiddie rides, water coolers, etc.,are grounded

  • Shelf displays are arranged to avoid tripping hazards, such as boxes or anything from falling off

  • Wall and overhanging displays are secured

  • Shopping carts are in good condition, check for loose or bent wheels, sharp edges, etc.

    • A defective cart needs to be removed and replaced

  • Check for sharp edges, projecting metal bits, loose mats, etc, in all displays, counters, and floors

  • Exits must be clearly marked by illuminated signs and must be visible throughout the store

    • Non-exits are marked as well

  • Emergency lighting in good operational condition

First Aid & Emergency 

  • First aid station is clearly marked and has sufficient supplies

  • A certified first aid employee is available during every shift

  • Emergency numbers clearly presented 

Employee Safety

  • Electrical equipment and tools are inspected daily and are safely stored

  • All stairs and work areas are sufficiently lighted

  • Hand and power tools are inspected daily and is safely stored

  • Ladders are in good condition and are safety stored

  • Broken glass, metal bands, and sharp objects must be removed from storage and work areas

  • Proper lifting instructions are clearly marked

  • Metal conveyors must be properly stored

  • Trucks and trailers should be chocked during unloading

Fire Prevention and Protection

  • Sprinkler valves are locked in the open position

    • Stock must be kept at a minimum of 18” from the sprinkler heads and heater units

  • No smoking signs are clearly posted and are enforced

    • Employee smoking areas are designated

  • Fire extinguishers must be mounted and accessible. All locations should be identified to employees and extinguishers should be inspected and tagged on a regular basis

    • Employees should be trained to use fire protection equipment, like extinguishers

    • Fire extinguisher records must be kept and maintained

  • Incinerator or compactor area must be kept free of combustibles and hazardous materials

  • Electrical panels need to be accessible and labeled properly

  • Extension cord use should be done at a minimum and used only as a temporary measure

  • All electrical wiring should be installed in accordance with city codes

  • Compressor room must be free of combustibles

  • Waste cans should be made of noncombustible material and have the proper covers

  • Flammable liquids should be kept in approved containers

  • Heat buildup areas should be clear of combustibles, such as heaters, appliances, etc.

Record Keeping & Posters

  • State and federal injury records must be maintained

  • Copies must be made and kept of a supervisor’s accident and injury reports

  • Safety activities should be documented

  • Emergency plans for all situations should be made and posted for all employees and managers