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Habitat for Humanity ReStores play a vital role in the Habitat mission to provide affordable housing for all people by generating income for affiliates’ use. Injuries to ReStore customers and staff can be very costly (not to mention painful), and can significantly affect an affiliate’s ability to devote funding for helping partner families build houses.
Slips, trips and falls count for the majority of general industry accidents and result in back injuries, strains and sprains, contusions, and fractures. They are also the cause of 15% of all accidental deaths, second only to motor vehicles accidents.1 Many slips, trips and falls can be prevented!
This photo depicts poor aisle maintenance inside a ReStore. We’re here to help you clean it up, and focus on the areas that need attention to keep your ReStore safe.
1. Aisles – Keep the aisles free of clutter and place items on shelves or in racks.
2. Spills – Clean up all spills right away. Place caution signs around the area of the spill to prevent anyone from slipping.
3. Floor Coverings – All rugs, carpets, and mats should lay flat, with no curled edges, bunching or tears.
4. Lighting – All areas must have proper lighting for customers and staff to see where they are walking.
5. Cords – Power cords should not run across floors or aisles.
6. Uneven Floors and Steps – Steps and changes in elevation should be clearly marked. Bright colored paint and reflective tape work well to help alleviate this hazard.
7. Ladders – Keep ladders stored in an area where customers are not allowed access. Rolling ladders should have a chain with a sign letting customers know it is for employee use only.
8. Sidewalks and Parking Lots – Uneven sidewalks, loose gravel, potholes, and similar hazards should be repaired promptly.
9. Handrails – The installation of sturdy, secure handrails is crucial where there are steps, ramps, or sloping surfaces, both inside and outside the building.
Take a few minutes to inspect these areas in your ReStore and take heed to make the necessary updates to ensure safety at all times!
1 “Slips, Trips and Falls Fact Sheet”, N.C. Dept. of Labor