3 Important Safety Rules To Follow With A Custom Portable Work Platform In Your Retail Store
When it comes to reaching merchandise on high shelves, changing signage, or even doing routine maintenance work in your retail environment, the go-to equipment will probably be an average ladder. While ladders are a great tool, they are also a bit dangerous to use in a retail setting. Portable work platforms, on the other hand, make a lot more sense in a retail setting. These work platforms are easier to maneuver, sturdier to stand on, and don't pose as many hazards. Even still, there are some rules of safety you will need to follow if you invest in a custom portable work platform for your retail business.
Never leave the work platform on the sales floor unattended.
One of your primary concerns in a retail environment is keeping your customers safe, which means it is never a good idea to leave the portable work platform unattended here a customer could get on it and hurt themselves. Because customers will not be properly trained in safe usage, accidents could occur. Plus, leaving the platform unattended means that small children could see the platform as a place to climb and also get hurt. Make it a general rule for employees to always be present when the work platform is in use. Create a designated parking place for the portable work platform when it is not in use.
Be mindful of load-bearing limitations and train your employees.
Even though custom portable work platforms allow a higher weight bearing than most average ladders, there are still weight limits to be mindful of when the equipment is in use. This weight capacity will of course depend on the specific type and model of the work platform used, so you will have to check for the manufacturer's guidelines to find the weight capacity. Make sure you know this capacity, train your employees to stay mindful of this capacity, and follow safe practices with everyday use where weight capacity is concerned.
Never allow more than one person on a single-person work platform.
The majority of portable work platforms designed for retail use are created for use by one individual at a time. Even though the work platform may have ample climbing or standing room for more than one person, make sure this is not allowed in your retail store. Allowing multiple people on the platform at once creates the possibility of one person getting knocked off of the climbing ladder or platform.
