Safely Using Stair Steps When Stocking in a Retail Environment

Falls from stair steps are a common cause of workplace injuries, especially in retail settings. Most incidents occur due to overreaching, improper equipment use, or the use of damaged steps. While these tasks are routine and can be easy to overlook, injuries can happen quickly and lead to lost work time.

“If an employee cannot reach an item safely, they cannot stock it safely either,” said Sonya Luisoni, Senior Risk Control Manager at Safety National. “Having the correctly sized stair steps readily available is key. Stair steps should be sturdy yet easily repositionable.”

Bringing awareness to the most common risks and focusing on safe work practices can promote informed decisions while using stair steps responsibly.

Addressing Common Hazards

Stair steps can become unstable when placed on the wrong surface. Employees should be aware of the following dangers before using stair steps:

• Unstable, damaged or makeshift stair steps.
• Slippery or wet steps or floors.
• Obstructions around the stair steps, like customers and carts.
• Bulky, heavy items that should not be carried, or items out of reach that will require assistance.

Using Stair Steps Safely

Stair steps are often used for stocking or retrieving items, but the products handled need to be manageable for an employee. While using stair steps, employees should:

• Carry small, manageable items while climbing.
• Face the steps and always maintain three points of contact with the steps.
• Keep their body centered and do not lean or twist.
• Move the steps closer to them instead of overreaching for an item.
• Step down to reposition themselves.
• Avoid rushing or skipping steps to save time.
• Never throw or drop items from steps.

Training Employees on Safe Practices

Communicating how to use stair steps correctly is key to any retail safety program. Employers should highlight the availability of stair steps and how to use and reposition them safely. Staff should know how to report damaged equipment and remove it from service. Awareness and vigilance can help team members observe, fix, and report near misses to management. Lastly, everyone should be able to receive help if an item is heavy, bulky, or cannot be reached safely.