EMI Industries Blog

Many of the work related injuries and illnesses experienced by grocery store workers are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back injuries and sprains or strains. These may develop from various factors including, lifting, repetitive motion disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or injuries resulting from overexertion. OSHA believes that the experiences of many grocery stores provide a basis for taking action to better protect workers. Grocery stores that have implemented injury prevention efforts, have said they have successfully reduced work-related injuries and workers' compensation costs. Many times, these efforts have reduced injuries and led to increased worker efficiency and lowered operating costs. For example, designing checkstands to reduce ergonomic risk factors such as twisting or extended reaching can improve cashier effectiveness and productivity. The purpose of these voluntary guidelines is to build on the progress. Additionally, OSHA realizes that small grocery stores may need assistance to implement
an appropriate ergonomics program. That is why OSHA emph-asizes the availability of its free consultation service for smaller employers. Grocery stores provide a vital service to the American public, and are a major source of employment in the United States. Many grocery store workers handle thousands of items each day to stock shelves, check groceries, decorate bakery items, and prepare meat products. These tasks involve several ergonomic risk factors. The most important of these include force, repetition, awkward posture, and static postures. Many grocery stores that have already instituted programs have reported reduced MSDs, reduced workers' compensation costs, and improved efficiency.

Here are some factors to think about when researching an ergonomic checkstand:

Cashiering

* Are items within easy reach?
* Are keyboard supports adjustable?
* Can the cashier work with items at about elbow height?
* Can the display be read without twisting?
* Are all edges smoothed or rounded so the cashier does not come into contact with sharp or hard edges?
* Are objects easily scanned the first time?
* Are objects scanned without twisting hand motions?
* Can cashiers scan heavy/bulky/awkward items without lifting them?
* Are the scale, conveyor, and horizontal scanner plates all the same height?
* Is the scanner plate clean and unscratched?
* Does the cashier have an anti-fatigue mat and/or footrest?
* Are there Lean Bars available?
* Is there Lean Pad available?
* Do the checkstands come in right and left hand versions?
* Will Scan Guns be available for easy scanning access?

Bagging and Carry Out

* Can the bagger adjust the height of the bag stand?
* Are all edges smoothed or rounded so the bagger does not come into contact with sharp or hard edges?
* Do bags have handles?
* Can the bagger put bags into cart without leaning over the checkstand or twisting the back?

With these pointers you should be well informed and able to address all issues when finding the best equipment for assisting your employees, to be safe and successful.

For additional information:

http://www.emiindustries.com/products/checkstands

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3192.pdf