According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), robbery-related homicides and assaults are the leading cause of death in retail businesses. Workers in convenience stores have seven times a higher rate of work-related homicide than workers in other industries. Not every retailer can afford to hire security personnel for their store. Yesterday we reviewed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s requirements for keeping workers safe from active shooters. Today we offer some tips for retail operations to protect their workers from being injured or killed during an armed robbery.
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According to NIOSH, stores that use Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) programs have experienced 30%–84% decreases in robberies and a 61% decrease in nonfatal injuries. CPTED programs suggest that environments can be modified to reduce robberies by altering the physical design of a workplace.
Tip 1: Act before violence occurs.
Environment, health, and safety (EHS) managers are key players in ensuring that their companies have taken steps to reduce the probability of violence in the workplace. The optimal time to address workplace violence is before any incidents have occurred. See yesterday’s Advisor for the important elements of a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program.
Tip 2: Install panic buttons.
These will alert local authorities to ensure a rapid, reliable response when the alarm is triggered. Some cities are taking steps to protect retail workers. For instance, Houston, Texas has enacted an ordinance that requires that all convenience stores located in the city to register online with the Houston Police Department.
Tip 3: Install physical barriers.
Barriers such as bullet-resistant enclosures can serve to separate customers from employees at cash registers.
Tip 4: Redesign the store.
Redesigning the store could be a low-cost option for allowing better visibility so that customers and the cash register can be seen from the street and/or parking lot.
Tip 5: Hang warning signs.
Warning or advisory signs on the premises can identify deterrent measures in effect at your store. These measures can include:
- A time-lock safe that cannot be opened past certain hours;
- Keeping a limited amount of accessible cash and lottery tickets; and
- Monitoring the premises by video surveillance.
Tip 6: Conduct training.
All employees should be trained so that they are aware of the potential security hazards at your store and the means to protect themselves and coworkers. The training should include your workplace violence and prevention program and the procedures and practices to follow in the event of a violent incident.
For a tips and training to identify and control common safety and health hazards in the retail industry, check Safety.BLR.com’s Retail Safety Resource Center.