For safety and better productivity, retailers must implement ergonomic practices at their stores
In a world fraught with uncertainty, aches and injuries are our latent companions. They move alongside, mostly hidden, just waiting for the moment to strike you down. At retail stores, for example, minor blips can lead to slips, hurried gaits can cause ankle twists, and falls while stacking shelves render fractured hips. That’s why we need retail ergonomics, or in other words, physical comfort and safety at retail outlets.
Well, that’s exactly the reason why ergonomics at the retail outlets is essential in order to improve physical fitness, body posture, mental health, and productivity. Retail ergonomics, if deployed over a period of time, will benefit employers by facilitating cost-savings. What makes ergonomics at retail stores different is that it’s not just focused on sitting, but body movements as well.
What mishaps are common at retail outlets?
The most common risks and accidents at retail outlets are slips on the floor, twisted ankles, falling from shelves, and much more. And these can be easily mitigated through retail ergonomics. Ergonomically designed retail setups are not just about the right equipment, they also incorporate training and education.
What ergonomic products can be used at retail setups?
Ergonomic retail practices are aimed at providing a safe, secure, and sound environment where people can move, and carry out the maintenance tasks with absolute ease.
Safe lifting of merchandise
Goods and merchandise handling is a very critical aspect at retail stores and outlets, and becomes the reason for many injuries. Many injuries are caused during the process of stacking of shelves, bending while lifting, and carrying heavy equipment. Today, merchandise lifting mechanisms are ergonomically designed in such a manner that injuries resulting from slips and mishaps can be avoided.
Wheeled computer carts
Computer carts on wheels is a glittering example of retail ergonomics. The need for wheeled computer carts arises from the fact that any slips or mishaps that may occur while moving workstations and computers can easily be avoided. This is one area of retail ergonomics that really does a lot of wonders. For people working at their height adjustable computer desks, wheeled computer carts are excellent ways to adjust to different body postures.
Ergonomic chairs
A must have for cashiers and receptionists, ergonomic chairs provide excellent lumbar support and back support. Ergonomic chairs are also adjustable and lead to a good posture, straight neck and spine, and as a result, a positive mind. This increases the overall productivity. That’s why ergonomic chairs are an integral component of ergonomically designed retail outlets.
Monitor arms and Keyboard trays
Ergonomically designed monitor arms and keyboard trays facilitate positioning of head and eyes at levels prescribed by doctors and various health specialists. Retail ergonomics is absolutely incomplete without these must haves, as people need them for better posture, arms, and wrists placed at the right place.
How should retail ergonomics be promoted?
Retail ergonomics begins with managers or retail outlet owners taking the onus upon themselves to imbibe the required information and knowledge regarding the prevalent practices. Well, once that’s in place, they are in a position to implement it at their workplaces and improve the overall productivity of the organization.
Significantly, ergonomics at the retail places starts with a good posture while walking, ideal safety techniques while lifting, proper bending techniques, and avoiding back straining at the workplace. What retailers can do is that they can hold training drills and workshops for their employees in-order to make ergonomics at the retail stores a new normal.
Gladly, the ergonomic office concept is spreading like a juggernaut and there’s no dearth of material from where one can learn and apply the knowledge in real life. And the credit goes a lot to ergonomic furniture manufacturers who have never shied away from creating awareness through promotional campaigns, and end-user support.
Conclusion
Retail ergonomics is highly integral to smooth functioning of stores and showrooms. It’s something without which current and upcoming retail outlets may find it difficult to operate in the long-run. Given the adequate resources and techniques available, implementing ergonomics at the retail stores is vital to their productive existence.
