A recent rash of shootings in Canadian and U.S. retail stores, and stabbings and other violence in Toronto shopping malls have forced some retailers to think about increased security in their stores. Violence in the workplace is something none of us want to deal with but are you and your staff prepared? Do you have a response plan in place?
Media reports of violence committed during robberies on store owners and staff can be frightening. What would you do if one of your employees physically assaulted a customer—or the reverse?
Most states and provinces will legislate workplace violence through their Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, so if you haven’t already, contact your local office to ensure you’re complying with the law and train your staff.
Providing written company policies and procedures to govern professional behaviour between staff and which outline consequences for misbehaviour should ensure your employees are respectful of one another. It goes without saying that your own behaviour should only be professional and respectful as well so that you lead by example. Professional courtesy and behaviour towards all would help avoid unpleasant emotional outbursts which may lead some people to violence against their peers.
If you know your store has high-stress hours, days or seasons, then consider that your staff may need more of a helping hand at those times. One lone employee would be hard-pressed to prevent shoplifting while ringing in purchases.
If you haven’t already, consider installing high-definition security cameras and advertise you have them to prevent your store from being targeted for robbery or shoplifting.
If your store is located in a large metro city or area more prone to lawbreakers, there are security firms available that can teach you and your staff a survivalist mindset. They could also help you create a loss and injury prevention plan that could protect you, customers and employees if an incident occurred.
Every retail store has unique challenges to ensure employee and customer safety as well as loss prevention. Do you have practical solutions in place to help ensure your staff is more prepared for a crisis?
