Retail Sales and Service - General

Some of the main duties of sales and service personnel in stores, hotels and other locations are to:

• Greet customers and discuss details of the transaction.
• Provide information to customers about products and services.
• Determine method of payment, and prepare bills, invoices and other documents.
• Assemble displays of merchandise.
• Maintain inventory of merchandise.
• Maintain internal record-keeping systems.
• Working with computers, bar readers, payment machines, and other electronic devices.
• Clean or sanitize work spaces. 
• Be aware of customer actions while on the premises (e.g., be alert to potential issues or acts of theft).

• Standing for long hours.
• Exposure to various chemicals and materials, which may include paints, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, perfumes, or cleaning products.
• Indoor air quality.
• Repetitive manual tasks or working in awkward positions.
• Risk of back injury from pushing, pulling or lifting objects.
• Injuries from sharp objects, knives, scissors, box cutters, etc.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Risk of overhead materials falling.
• Working on ladders or other potentially unstable structures.
• Risk of bullying, harassment, or violence.
• Working alone.
• Handling money.
• Stress.
• Fire.
• Fatigue or other health effects of shift work or extended work days.
• Exposure to common viruses such as colds and seasonal influenza.

• Learn safe lifting procedures.
• Learn fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures, including using fire extinguishers and knowing how to assist customers when evacuating.
• Learn how to use equipment and tools safely.
• Avoid or take frequent breaks from awkward body positions.
• Wear appropriate footwear and other personal protective equipment when needed, such as eye and face protectors, gloves, respirators, or high-visibility safety apparel.
• Keep all work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
• Establish good housekeeping practices.
• Learn safe handling and storage procedures before working with hazardous products or consumer chemical products. 
• Know how to react in a negative or violent situation.
• Know how to stay safe when working alone. For example, have a reporting system that includes a mobile phone or other alternative means to contact a designated person when working alone.
• Do not exceed the capacity of the shelves when storing merchandise.
• Do not block fire exits and fire extinguishers.
• Keep a first-aid kit within easy access.

• Practice safe lifting.
• Find ways to minimize musculoskeletal disorders on the job.
• Take all safety precautions when working on ladders.
• Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Learn about chemical safety, WHMIS and SDSs.
• Know how to report a hazard and near miss.
• Follow good housekeeping and cleaning and sanitation procedures.
• Use hand washing to reduce the risk of common infections.