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Congratulations! Your child has landed their first job at a grocery store. They’re going to be out of the house more, making their own money, and learning some valuable life skills about independence and responsibility. And they may even learn what groceries actually cost. Yikes.
Like any job, working in a grocery store comes with its own set of challenges and potential hazards. Here are five essential tips to help keep your kids safe while working at a grocery store.
1. Get properly trained
Proper training and orientation are important for any new hire, but especially for young workers starting their first job. Comprehensive training sets the tone and expectations for a safe and productive work experience. Armed with the right training, your child will be ready to react to different situations and will know what’s expected of them. They should be provided with safety policies and procedures during this training.
Proper training will help keep your child safe when they come into contact with workplace hazards, like when working with machinery, chemicals, or unfamiliar materials.
You can help by asking your child questions about their training and orientation and encouraging them to be proactive in asking questions about unfamiliar situations.
2. Be aware of the common hazards
Being proactive about safety means knowing the common hazards, or what can injury or harm in your industry or workplace. You can help your child stay safe by knowing the hazards they may face and asking questions or opening up the conversation in general.
Some common grocery store hazards are:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Heavy lifting and improper carrying of goods which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries
- Food safety and hygiene
- Falling objects, particularly if products or boxes are improperly stacked above eye level improperly
- Cuts and burns from box cutters, deli equipment, or chemicals
- Customer interactions that may lead to harassment or challenging situations
3. Understand store policies and safety procedures
Your child should be provided with store policies and safety procedures during their first shift, before they start performing tasks. A solid understanding of store policies and procedures will help your teen know what’s expected of them and what to do in case of an emergency.
Be sure to encourage your child to ask their supervisor or manager for clarification if they are unsure about anything in the documents.
4. Prioritize personal safety
While working in a grocery store, your teen may be in charge of a cash register, work alone early in the morning or late at night, or may witness shoplifting. All of these activities can put them at risk.
Remind your child to prioritize their safety. No object within the store is worth their well-being. This also includes being cautious in the parking lot, especially during early or late shifts. Encourage them to walk to and from their car with a coworker whenever possible, especially when leaving late at night.
5. Parking lot safety
Parking lot safety is another crucial aspect to consider when your child is working at a grocery store. While it may seem like a mundane task, putting away grocery carts can expose them to potential risks. Encourage your child to be vigilant in the parking lot, especially during busy hours or when the weather conditions are less than favourable.