How to Use: Walk high-traffic areas like aisles and exits during busy times—note customer flow. Use a flashlight for low-light spots. Ask manager: “Incident logs? Shelf load limits?” Mark High (blocked exits, wet floors no signs), Medium (faded signs, clutter), or Low (clear, marked, trained) risk. Retail slips/falls = 40% liability claims, $15 billion yearly (National Safety Council 2025); 1 in 4 stores has a claim annually (Liberty Mutual). Prevent with OSHA 1910.37 (exits) + National Fire Protection Association 101 (life safety).
THE BASICS: WHY RETAIL STORES FACE LIABILITY HAZARDS
Retail stores handle crowds, merchandise, and fast changes—slips from spills, trips on displays, falls from ladders.
Top Hazards (OSHA/National Safety Council 2025):
- Slips/falls – 40% claims, from wet floors or clutter
- Falling objects – heavy shelves collapse
- Blocked exits – fire panic causes injuries
- Carts/ladders – misuse leads to 20,000 ER visits/year
Stats: 1 million retail injuries yearly (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023); falls cost $70 billion (National Safety Council). 85% preventable with housekeeping.
Your Goal: Spot dangers—stop "customer mishaps" from lawsuits.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
FLOORS & AISLES CHECKLIST
Why Check: Wet floors cause 55% slips (National Safety Council).
- Floors clean, no spills or debris; mats at doors absorb water Why: Mats trap 80% of tracked-in moisture.
- Aisles at least 36 inches wide, no boxes or cords blocking Why: Narrow paths cause trips in crowds.
- Signs for wet floors or steps, visible from 10 feet Why: Warnings cut accidents 50%.
SHELVES & MERCHANDISE CHECKLIST
Why Check: Falling items injure 15,000 yearly (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
- Shelves stable, load limits posted (no over 500 pounds top) Why: Overload causes collapses.
- Heavy items low, light on top; no loose edges Why: Top-heavy stacks tip easily.
- Ladders for high shelves, no chair use Why: Wrong tools cause falls.
EXITS & EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
Why Check: Blocked doors kill in fires (National Fire Protection Association).
- Exits unlocked, lit signs, paths clear Why: Clear exits save lives in panic.
- Doors swing out, hardware for crowds Why: Inward swing traps people.
- Emergency lights work, 90-minute battery Why: Power out causes trips.
CARTS & EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Why Check: Loose carts cause 20,000 injuries yearly (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
- Carts contained in corrals, wheels smooth Why: Rolling carts hit people.
- Ladders non-slip feet, inspected yearly Why: Slippery rungs cause falls.
- Electrical outlets covered, no frayed cords Why: Shocks or trips from wires.
TRAINING & HOUSEKEEPING CHECKLIST
Why Check: Poor staff response raises claims 30% (National Safety Council).
- Staff trained yearly on spill cleanup Why: Quick response stops slips.
- Daily floor sweeps, clutter removed Why: Clean stores cut hazards.
- Incident logs reviewed monthly Why: Spots repeat problems.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MANAGER
- “Incident logs last year—slips or falls? Causes?”
- “Housekeeping plan—who cleans aisles?”
- “Shelf weight limits—posted and followed?”
- “Staff training—when last? Emergency drills?”
- “Exit checks—daily? Lights tested?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Blocked exits, wet unmarked floors → Suggest attention immediately, fix now
- Medium = Cluttered aisles, faded signs → Clear in 7 days
- Low = Clean, trained, logged → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Clear it. Secure it. Train it.”
Resources:
- OSHA 1910.37: Exit Routes
- National Fire Protection Association 101: Life Safety Code
- National Safety Council Retail Safety Guide
- Liberty Mutual Slip/Fall Report
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.