Ergonomics for Employees - Retail
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Unlike some other professions, retail workers are likely standing on their feet for most of their shifts. This can create issues and body pain if the employee and their company don't take precautions to make sure the workstation promotes an ergonomic environment. In this subject, learners will be taught how to set up their workstation so it has all the necessary items within arm's reach, how to make sure their posture and body positioning decreases strain, and how to avoid pain or cramping when having to stand for long periods of time.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Unlike some other professions, retail workers are likely standing on their feet for most of their shifts. This can create issues and body pain if the employee and their company don't take precautions to make sure the workstation promotes an ergonomic environment. In this subject, learners will be taught how to set up their workstation so it has all the necessary items within arm's reach, how to make sure their posture and body positioning decreases strain, and how to avoid pain or cramping when having to stand for long periods of time.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Unlike some other professions, retail workers are likely standing on their feet for most of their shifts. This can create issues and body pain if the employee and their company don't take precautions to make sure the workstation promotes an ergonomic environment. In this subject, learners will be taught how to set up their workstation so it has all the necessary items within arm's reach, how to make sure their posture and body positioning decreases strain, and how to avoid pain or cramping when having to stand for long periods of time.
Topics
Best Practices for Standing for Long Periods of Time - Retail
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Being a retail worker, you likely have to be on your feet for long periods of time while you're working. This can cause leg and foot pain, which can make it difficult to focus on your work. In this topic, you'll learn various techniques you can use to help make sure that you avoid pain throughout your shift, and can instead focus on helping your customers find what they're looking for.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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Wear shoes that support your feet properly. This means they allow you to wiggle your toes and they keep your heel firmly in place.
Keep the floor of your workstation clear of waste so that there aren't any hazards you might trip on and injure yourself. If you spill liquid on the floor of your workstation, clean it up immediately.
Throughout your shift, change your weight from one foot to the other, or place one of your feet on a footrest for a break. This helps promote comfort in your feet and helps you avoid foot pain and cramping.
Make sure the shoes that you wear during your shift have laces so that if your feet swell from standing too long, you can adjust the tightness of the shoes to promote blood flow to your feet, reducing foot cramping and pain.
Do not wear tight-fitting socks during your shift that cut off circulation at your knee, calf, or ankle. Instead, wear socks that promote blood flow throughout your whole leg, so you can avoid knee, calf, or foot pain.
Stand on a clean, anti-fatigue mat at your workstation if possible. It helps take pressure off your feet and makes standing for long periods of time more comfortable.
Cashier Workstation Set-Up - Retail
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As a cashier at a retail store, it's important that your workstation is set up properly, so you can work comfortably and ergonomically. In this topic, you'll learn about the most effective way to set up your workstation so that you have enough room to move around, reduce strain, easily access any items you need, and make sure that you're able to help customers while keeping your body safe.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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When you're setting up your workstation for your shift, make sure commonly used items such as the cash drawer, pens, paper, and receipt printer are within horizontal reach for you.
Round-off or pad any sharp or hard edges that you come into contact with often by taping or putting paper over them, or telling your manager if they're dangerous. Doing this helps ease the physical strain on your hands and wrists.
Make sure your cash register monitor or display is at or slightly below your eye level. If necessary, you should adjust its level at the beginning of your shift. If the screen isn't adjustable, talk to your manager about using one that is at your eye level.
Turn, slide, and use handheld scan cards or scan guns for large or heavy items instead of picking them up to scan them. This helps eliminate the strain on your arms caused by unnecessarily picking up items.
Decrease the strain on your hands and arms by making sure your workstation equipment is clean, so it can read the barcode labels easily. This reduces how many times you have to scan an item.
If your cash register has a conveyor belt, use it, and wait for items to get within arm's reach before scanning them. Do not stretch to reach items, because over-stretching increases strain on your arms and back.
Ergonomic Working Postures - Retail
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Throughout your workday, it's easy to forget about your posture and the effect it has on your body. If you learn forward a lot or regularly twist your body while you're working, you're more likely to experience pain or fatigue during or after your shift. In this topic, you'll learn how to make sure that your shoulders, head, and hands are in the right positions while you work so that you don't experience any body aches throughout the day.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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Keep your shoulders in an ergonomic position by rolling and relaxing them to avoid creating tension and pain in your upper back. They should not be shrugged or curved forward for long periods of time.
Keep your elbows tucked close to your body, and keep your work at about elbow height so you can help reduce strain on your arms.
Avoid situations that require excessive twisting of your neck or bending it too far forward, backward, or to the side. This is because twisting it too much could result in neck strain, spasms, or pain.
Avoid working with your wrists pressed against the sharp or hard edges of a desk, table or countertop, as this could lead to repetitive strain injuries in your wrists.
Stand at a comfortable distance from your workspace, so you don't have to reach too far for items while you work. Having enough toe space allows you to move closer to the check stand when necessary, decreasing the distance you have to reach in order to work ergonomically.
Keep your hands straight and in line with your forearms when you're working, and avoid twisting your hands and wrists too much. If there is too much pressure on your hands or wrists because of twisting, you could cause repetitive strain injuries.
Instead of grabbing and holding items with just your thumb and index finger, use your whole hand to hold the item(s). This helps distribute its weight and reduces strain on your thumb and finger.
Face the customer as much as possible when you're scanning or handling their items, because it will reduce the need for you to twist your head, neck, and torso when you're helping them.
If you're uncomfortable or are experiencing pain in your working environment, make sure you tell your supervisor as soon as possible, so they can make necessary changes to help make it more ergonomically friendly, and your pain does not turn into a long-term injury.