Safety Tutorial for a Grocery Store

Employee

Cheryl SweeneyInternship Coordinator

Pre-Test (True/False Questions) As an employee, it is not your responsibility to know where the

fire exits are. T/F Jeans are appropriate to wear to work if you work in a grocery

store. T/F An example of safety equipment in a grocery store would be a

wrist support for keyboard. T/F Back supports for lifting heavy objects are unacceptable to

wear when working as a student. T/F There are hazardous chemicals in a grocery store environment.

T/F

Training Tasks

Use a computer/scanner to total customer’s purchases

Bag/deliver groceries

Prepare products for sale (floral, bakery, deli, etc.)

Appropriate Clothing

Casual attire (no low cut shirts or midriff showing)

No jeans Hair pulled back or

hair net No sneakers Uniform if

appropriate

Safety Equipment

Safety Glasses Proper gloves

(department specific) Keyboard supports Back harness

supports Anti-fatigue mat

Tools

Knives Sharp box cutter

Equipment/Machinery

Computer/Scanner Dollie/hand truck Meat Slicer Dough Mixer

Electrical

Avoid overloaded circuits

Make sure extension cords are away from aisle walkways and hidden

Avoid frayed wires

Talk to your supervisor if any of

these things are present

Floors, Doors, Exits

Be aware of the floor plan of your worksite

Know where the nearest exit and door is near your workstation in case of an emergency.

Chemical Hazards

Odorous cleaning supplies “White out”

Ergonomic Hazards - Lifting

Lift within the preferred/acceptable work zone

Keep items close to body when lifting

Use support devices to assist in lifting

Fire

During orientation, be sure to clarify where the fire extinguishers are.

If unsure about fire precautions/procedures, ask your supervisor.

Robbery, Bomb Scares

Understand company procedures for threats from customers/fellow employees

Speak to supervisor if still unclear on procedures

Angry/Threatening Customers

Understand procedures for dealing with angry customers – fact of life.

Always take a deep breath in trying to react to an unpleasant situation.

How and to Whom Do You Report an Injury

Policy for reporting an injury (medical personnel, Human Resources, etc.)

Where is paperwork kept? Timeframe requirements?

Post-Test (True/False Questions) As an employee, it is not your responsibility to report safety

concerns to your supervisor. T/F Even if your company has a required uniform, it might be

possible because you are a student you are exempt from wearing it. T/F

Because you are a student in a work-based learning program, you are not held responsible for reporting to work on time.

T/F “White out” is a hazardous chemical sometimes found in

clerical work areas. T/F There are no hazardous chemicals in a grocery store

environment. T/F

Post-Test (True/False Questions) Angry customers are usually encountered by a manager, not a

student worker. T/F A first aid issue you have on the job should be reported to your

teacher back at school FIRST before anyone else. T/F It is necessary to know where the fire exits are in case of an

emergency before it happens. T/F Large organizations do not have to worry about “overloading

electrical circuits” -- they have a power system that will take care of this issue. T/F

Each department has specific safety equipment which may occur for just their department. T/F

Safety Web Resources

http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/retailgrocery/

http://youngworker.healthandsafetycentre.org/s/Resources-YoungWorkers.asp

Pre-Test Answers

False False True False True

Post-Test Answers

False True False True False

False False True False True