If you’re operating a public-facing business like a shop, then you’ll have to contend with a degree of risk. These risks take many forms. In some cases, they might stem from action taken by a customer, or another member of the public. In others, an individual member of your staff, or a fault with your internal processes and procedures, might be to blame.
Whatever the fault lies, it’s important that you take steps to identify the sources of the risk and to take whatever action might reasonably be taken to minimise them. In doing so, you’ll drive up your profitability, and your exposure to legal and reputational problems.
So, what are the key threats?
Theft
In the UK, shoplifting is an ongoing annoyance for retailers. In some cases, it can put the business and its employees at physical risk. The best way to deter shoplifters is to consistently prosecute them and to make clear that your business is not a soft touch.
Of course, being able to do this means being able to spot shoplifters before they have a chance to exit the store, and prevent persistent offenders from entering the store in the first place. Investing in high-quality CCTV, and installing alarms, can make a big difference.
Larger stores might benefit from a persistent security team; smaller ones might install a few mirrors so that staff members can enjoy maximum visibility at all times.
Customer injury
If a customer should injure themselves while on your premises, and your activities are to blame, then you could find yourself in legal trouble. The most obvious example of a health and safety threat is a wet floor, on which a customer might slip. If this should happen to an older person, the resulting injury might be serious and long-lasting. The damages you may be required to pay by a personal injury lawyer should a customer be injured might therefore be significant.
In order to minimise risk, you’ll need to perform regular risk assessments and provide staff with ongoing training. Developing a culture in which hazards are reported, and swiftly addressed, will help you to avoid problems. The right public liability insurance might also be pivotal.
Employment and workplace risks
It isn’t just members of the public who might find themselves at risk in a retail environment. Staff members tasked with unloading stock, replenishing shelves, and even sitting for long periods might find themselves at risk of injury, for which the employer might ultimately be held accountable.
Again, the solution here is effective training, and fomenting the right workplace culture. It’s also important to ensure that you’re aware of your responsibilities under the law, especially if the law should change.
Cybersecurity
In recent times, several major retailers in the United Kingdom have faced major cybersecurity problems. Marks and Spencer found itself unable to take card payments for several days, during which unknown malicious actors were able to gain access to sensitive customer data. Among the many consequences of this has been a drop in trust in Marks and Spencer.
If you don’t want your business to suffer the same ignominy, then taking security seriously is essential. Make sure that you implement modern measures for your online activities, such as multi-factor authentication. Make sure also that staff are able to detect potential attacks and report them.
Blog as received in the mail
