Morning everyone,
Today’s safety topic is heavy storage and stock stored at heights.
In retail, especially with large and bulky products, it’s easy over time for shelves, racking, and overhead storage to slowly become riskier without anyone really noticing.
A good rule to think about is:
“If this fell right now, what would happen?”
A few reminders:
• Heavy items should generally be stored lower where possible
• Avoid overhanging stock or unstable stacking
• Don’t stack products higher just to “make it fit”
• Make sure products are fully supported on shelving
• Be aware of customers — especially kids — pulling products from lower shelves
• Don’t climb shelving to reach items
• If stock feels unsafe to lift or unstable to access, ask for help
We also need to keep an eye on shelving itself over time.
Shelves can slowly start bowing, leaning, loosening, or becoming overloaded without it being obvious day to day.
Please pay attention to:
• Shelves visibly sagging or leaning
• Weight concentrated heavily in one section
• Bent shelf brackets or damaged supports
• Wobbling racking or movement when touched
• Stock hanging over shelf edges
Example:
A heavy esky, battery, or camping item stored high up may seem stable sitting there, but if shelving has slowly weakened over time or another product is moved beside it, it could shift or fall unexpectedly.
Task/discussion:
Have a think about your department.
Is there anywhere stock has slowly crept into unsafe storage over time?
Are there any shelves that may be overloaded, leaning, or struggling under weight?
The goal isn’t to blame anyone — it’s just to stay proactive before something becomes an incident.