Safety & Security

The following tips are to ensure the security of your store and its assets. Security Tips: 

• Only allow managers to sign overrides, refund, or void slips. 

• Keep an eye on the register area at all times. 

• Do not allow unauthorized persons behind the register or in the production area alone at any time. 

• Caution employees against discussing sales levels with anyone—either inside or outside of the store. 

• Limit the number of key holders to as few as possible. 

• Inform employees that you will dismiss and/or prosecute any employee found guilty of theft, misappropriation, or the tampering of his own or another employee’s timecard. 

• Keep rear access doors locked when not in use. 

• If possible, insist two employees close the store. It is safer, and they will encourage each other’s honesty. 

• Clearly post emergency phone numbers next to the telephone. 

Safety 

Safety in your store is important for anyone who enters your store(s). Below are preventative measures for common accidents. 

Improper Handling and Lifting:  

Keep your back straight and bend your knees so your legs will do the work when lifting heavy objects. 

Falls:  

To minimize the chance of falls, immediately wipe up all spills, never stand on a countertop or climb on shelving, and wear rubber- or non-skid-sole shoes. 

Falling Objects:  

Improperly stacked items in storage areas (especially boxes) create the potential of falling objects. Stack items securely and avoid making piles too high. 

Careless Movement:  

Rushing around is often a cause of accidents. Even at peak times, it is important to perform your work duties in a steady, consistent way, without rushing. At no time should there ever be running or horseplay. Always look in the direction you are walking; do not turn sharply or stop abruptly.  

Injury and Illness 

In the event of customer or employee injury or illness occurs in your store, observe the following guidelines: 

Customer: 

• If the injury or illness is serious, call for an ambulance immediately. 

• If a customer has fallen, do not try to move them unless they are able to. 

• If the customer needs assistance in getting home, to a doctor, or to a hospital, offer to call a relative or friend. Avoid taking the customer anywhere in an employee or store vehicle. 

• If possible, obtain as much information about the customer (name, address, telephone number, names of witnesses, etc.). Inform the customer that the accident will be reported to your insurance company. 

• Notify your insurance company of all accidents. 

• Instruct your employees to not make statements to customers about an accident. If customers should inquire about the status of a claim, advise them that the accident has been reported to your insurance company. 

• Instruct your employees to contact you immediately if you are not present at the time of an injury. They should be prepared to give you as many details as possible. 

• Administer first aid if the injury is minor. 

• Have employees complete a statement of their account of the accident, if appropriate (on a form supplied by your insurance agent). 

• If required by your state, complete an Employer's First Report of Injury. 

• Notify your insurance company. 

Robbery/Burglary 

A robbery is when a theft occurs during the time store opens. A burglary is when a theft occurs when the store is closed. In either case safety is important. If a store has encountered one or both crimes please use the following guidelines: 

During Robbery: 

• Remain calm 

• Cooperate with the robber by giving him whatever is being requested 

• If the robber displays a gun, consider it loaded. 

• Observe characteristic of the robbers (i.e., height, color of eyes, speech, age) 

• Observe the means of escape  

After Robbery: 

• Observe the “getaway” car (Note color, make, model and year) 

• If possible, write the license plate number 

• Lock the front the door and keep everyone safe 

• Call the police and remain on the line until they arrive 

• Instruct any witnesses to not talk until police arrive 

• If police inquire about how much money tell them an “undetermined” amount. This will prevent any figure showing up in the news the next day. 

• Call your insurance company 
    

After Burglary: 

• Once you have been notified of a burglary contact the police (unless they have contacted you) 

• Once arriving at the store, do not enter the premises until the police arrive. 

• Do not touch anything until it has been examined. 

• If there is extensive damage or money missing notify the insurance company. 

• Call your insurance company 

• In either instance, contact Store Support after contacting the authorities. 

Fire or Inclement Weather 

Edible recommends the following measures to avoid fire hazards: 

• Do not leave garbage inside overnight. 

• Keep combustible materials and supplies in a safe container. 

• Instruct smokers to extinguish their cigarettes in ashtrays. 

• Practice good housekeeping habits at all times. 

• Dispose of greasy rags and paper in closed containers. 

• Do not overload outlets or use temporary wiring. 

• Keep all aisles and exits clear of obstructions. 

• Make sure exit signs are in place and illuminated, if electric. 

• Have a fire emergency plan -provide specific responsibilities to employees and make sure they are instructed on how to perform these duties before the emergency occurs. 

• Train all employees in the location and use of fire extinguishers. Show all employees where the gas cut-offs are and how to turn off gas mains. Show all employees where the circuit breakers are and make sure all markings are clear. 

• Check fire extinguishers monthly. Visually check the gauge to see that the fire extinguisher is charged and the pin has not been pulled. If the pin in the handle has been pulled, the extinguisher may have been tampered with and activated. Also look for signs of obvious physical damage, corrosion, or other impairments. Any signs of defect should indicate that the extinguisher needs a complete maintenance check by the supplier's service personnel. Fire departments will check these periodically, as well. 

• Hold periodic practice fire drills so everyone will know what to do if there is a fire.