Shop and Retail Risk Assessment (UK)

A shop is a lower risk workplace than a site or a kitchen, but it is not risk free, and it has the added factor of the public on the premises all day. This guide covers the hazards a retail risk assessment should address.

The main hazards

1. Slips and trips, from spills, wet entrances and cluttered aisles, the most common retail injury.
2. Manual handling of deliveries and stock, covered by our manual handling guide.
3. Working at height when stocking high shelves or using steps.
4. Violence and aggression at the till, particularly where cash, age restricted goods or lone staff are involved.
5. Fire and keeping escape routes clear in a stock filled unit.
6. Electrical safety of equipment and displays.

The public on the premises

Customers, including children and less mobile people, are present throughout, so the assessment must consider their safety too, from trip hazards to safe queuing and clear exits.

Protecting staff from violence

Where there is a risk of aggression, controls include till screens where appropriate, cash handling procedures, panic alarms, good visibility, and training staff to withdraw and summon help rather than confront.

Record it

Record the hazards and controls across the shop floor, stockroom and till. Our risk assessment template gives you the form, and lone or late staff tie into our lone working guide.