Grocery Store Checkstands Ergonomics Design Guidelines to prevent WMSDs

Credits The technical contents of this slide show are mainly based upon the publication “Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores” OSHA publication 3192-05N 2004. You may click here to download a copy of this publication

What you will learn in this slideshow: WMSDs hazardous exposures when checking out groceries How to identify grocery store check stand design problems using a specific checklist Ergonomics guidelines for the design of a check stand The neutral posture at a check stand Best body zones in which to work Sit or stand at a check stand?

Problems at grocery checkout Lifting heavy packages, bags, etc. Repetitive movements of the neck, shoulder, arms, hands. Awkward and static postures like standing without walking, back bending, squatting, etc. Forceful Gripping

WMSD hazardous exposures Lifting above the shoulders, below the knees or at arms length

WMSD hazardous exposures Repetitive motions with the neck, shoulder and arm

WMSD hazardous exposures Neck and back bending

WMSD hazardous exposures Forceful gripping; specially when handling heavy items as pet-food bags, 24 packs of sodas.

The Checklist This checklist developed by OSHA, provides a practical guide for the evaluation of a check stand design Click on this image to download a copy

Cashiering checklist Are items within easy reach? Are keyboards adjustable? Can the cashier work with items at about elbow height?

Cashiering checklist Can the display be read without twisting? Are all edges rounded so the cashier does not come into contact with sharp edges?

Cashiering checklist Are objects easily scanned for the first time? Are objects scanned without twisting hand motions? Can cashiers scan heavy/bulky/awkward items without lifting them?

Cashiering checklist Are the scale, conveyor, and horizontal scanner plates all at the same height? Is the scanner plate clean and unscratched?

Cashiering checklist Does the cashier have an anti-fatigue mat and/or foot rest? Can the cashier recline or semi-seat on any surface of the checkstand?

Bagging and carry out checklist Can the bagger adjust the height of the bag stand? Are all edges rounded so that the bagger does not come into contact with sharp or hard edges?

Bagging and carry out checklist Do bags have handles?

Bagging and carry out checklist Can the bagger put bags into carts without leaning over the check stand or twisting the back?

Neutral posture at a check stand

Sit or stand at a check stand? “the ideal ergonomic solution would be to offer the cashier the possibility of changing between sitting and standing[…] as a means of reducing foot, leg and lower back pain.” (Lannersten & Harms-Ringdhal, 1990; Wells, 1993)

Basic elements of a check stand design display cash drawer scanner produce scales Bagging platform Feeder belt key-pad

Design guidelines The following section provides you with the design guidelines to an easy-to-use, safer checkstand. The more guidelines you can implement at your store, the better for your employees and business.

Design guideline Use a powered in-feed conveyor to bring items to the cashiers best work zone. Use a “sweeper” to move items on the conveyor within the checker’s reach. These practices may reduce leaning and reaching.

Design guideline Locate commonly used items such as the cash drawer and the printer within easy horizontal reach.

Design guideline Place in-feed and take-away conveyor belts as close as possible to the cashier to minimize reaching.

Design guideline Consider using checkstands designed with an adjustable sit/stand or lumbar support against which cashier can lean.

Design guideline Remove, round-off or pad sharp or hard edges with which the cashier may come into contact.

Design guideline Provide adequate toe space (at least 4 inches) at the bottom of the workstation. Toe space allows cashiers to move closer to the checkstand, reducing reaching postures.

Design guideline Use footrests and anti-fatigue mats in areas where workers stand for long periods. Standing on anti-fatigue mats, as compared to bare floors provides a noticeable improvement in comfort.

Design guideline Place the conveyor belt electronic eye close to the scanner, but allow sufficient area between the eye and the scanner to orient items and to ensure the belt does not push items into the scanning window.

Design guideline Perform work within the preferred (green) work zone Preferred work zone Perform work within the preferred (green) work zone

Design guideline Consider using keyboards to enter the quantity of identical products rather than scanning each individual item.

Design guideline Use keyboard to enter code if item fails to scan after second attempt.

Design guideline Place keyboards on supports that adjust in height, horizontal distance and tilt to keep work within the preferred zone.

Design guideline Use front facing checkstands to reduce twisting motions and extended reaches to the side.

Design guideline Adjust the checkstand height to match the cashier’s waist height, or use a platform.

Design guideline Place the cash register displays at or slightly below eye level.

Design guideline Use scan cards or scan guns for large or bulky items to eliminate the need to handle them.

Design guideline Set scanners and conveyors at the same height so that cashiers can slide items across rather than lift them.

Design guideline Establish a regular maintenance schedule for scanners; clean dirty plates and replace scratched ones.

Design guideline Use combined scales/scanners.

Design guideline Provide an adjustable-height bag stand. In bagging areas, the tops of plastic bags should be just below the conveyor height.

Design guideline To avoid extended reaches when loading bags into carts, move carts closer to the employee.

Design guideline Use bags with handles. Handles make the bags easier and less stressful to carry.

Design guideline Use carts to carry bags and groceries outside the store.

Design guideline Consider using powered-tugs when retrieving carts from the parking area. Powered tugs facilitate moving more carts with more efficiency and less effort.

Forearm and wrist injuries Nerve damage If none or few ergonomic guidelines are implemented, checkstand employees may suffer from… Back strains/sprains Shoulder injuries Elbow injuries Forearm and wrist injuries Nerve damage

The Ergonomics Cycle Management Support Problem Identification Solution Identification Training Evaluate Progress Employee Involvement The ergonomics cycle provides you with an organized way to start your ergonomics effort at a store.

Resources OSHA Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores David Beardmore (1998) "The Identification & Control of Musculoskeletal Risks To Supermarket Checkout Workers“ Grocery Stand Design Ideas to reduce hazardous exposures can be found at the Ergonomics Ideas Bank You may also write us at: ergonomics@Lni.wa.gov

Thank you