Retail stores rarely stay the same for long. Displays move. Inventory shifts. Customers come and go all day. And when things get busy, it's easy for everyday hazards to blend into the background.
That's one reason slips, trips, and falls remain one of retail's most common loss exposures. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable, giving agents an opportunity to help customers identify risks before they become claims.
Where retail stores are most at risk
Some hazards show up in nearly every retail operation, but they're often tied to the day-to-day activity of running the business:
- Wet floors from spills or tracked-in rain and snow
- Curled floor mats or damaged flooring
- Merchandise, stocking carts, or cords blocking walkways
- Temporary displays or seasonal merchandise that narrow aisles
- Poor lighting in entrances, aisles, stockrooms, or parking lots
- Overloaded shelving or displays that aren't properly secured
Many of these hazards are temporary, which is what makes them easy to overlook. A quick walkthrough can often catch problems before they lead to an injury.
Help policyholders stay one step ahead
Slip, trip, and fall prevention doesn't always require major changes. More often, it's about building simple habits into the workday.
Encourage your retail policyholders to:
- Walk the sales floor and stockroom regularly to spot new hazards
- Clean up spills promptly and replace worn floor mats
- Keep aisles clear of merchandise, stocking carts, and other obstacles
- Inspect shelving and display fixtures regularly and follow manufacturer load limits
- Store heavier items on lower shelves and restock during slower business hours when possible
- Make sure lighting stays bright and consistent throughout the store
These everyday practices help create a safer workplace while making the shopping experience safer and more welcoming for customers.
Retail walkthrough checklist
Use these questions to guide your next conversation with a retail policyholder:
- Which areas of the store tend to become the most congested during busy times?
- How often are sales floors and stockrooms inspected for slip, trip, and fall hazards?
- What's your process for responding to spills?
- How are shelving units and display fixtures inspected and maintained?
- Are entrances, aisles, stockrooms, stairways, parking lots, and walkways well lit?
- Are employees trained to identify and report hazards as they arise?
- How do you manage deliveries and restocking without creating obstacles for customers?
- Have you noticed any patterns in employee or customer injury claims over the past few years?
- Are approved climbing devices available for employees, and is assistance readily available for customers who need help reaching higher shelves?
- Have you explored EMC's Smart Steps® safety resources and training materials?
Helping policyholders recognize everyday risks is another way agents can bring value beyond the policy. If you’re looking for more questions to bring to your next visit, download our full slip, trip, and fall prevention list.
Looking for more resources?
Visit EMC's Smart Steps® toolkit for additional safety materials, training resources, and practical guidance to help retail customers reduce slip, trip, and fall risks.