| under the best of conditions, accidents occur in | | | | they are clean and free of debris. Cleaning should |
| shopping malls. Shoppers slip on floors, hit their | | | | be done before customers enter the mall and |
| heads on racks, sustain injuries from escalators, | | | | after they leave to minimize slipping. Nevertheless, |
| or become injured in other ways at a mall. Young | | | | it is also important to advise employees to report |
| children are especially at risk. Therefore, it is | | | | any spills or debris that occur during the work day |
| important for safety precautions and procedures | | | | so the areas can be promptly cleaned or roped |
| to be implemented at malls and stores. | | | | off until they can be cleaned. |
| Types of Injuries | | | | • Stores should be well lit. |
| Injuries sustained at a mall can vary, but shoppers | | | | • There should be clear procedures for |
| can incur personal injuries and property damage. | | | | unloading merchandise in the store and placing |
| Although shoppers may break a bone or body | | | | racks where they are easily visible. In particular, |
| part, they also commonly incur soft tissue injuries | | | | goods on high shelves should be carefully stacked |
| which can affect their back, shoulder, or neck. | | | | to prevent falling. |
| Sometimes shopping carts can damage cars. | | | | • When goods are being unloaded, store |
| Additionally, shoppers can have property stolen at | | | | personnel should make sure that customers are |
| a mall or be physically attacked. | | | | not in danger. |
| Steps for Avoiding Injuries | | | | • The mall and stores should employ |
| Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to | | | | sufficient help so customers can safely receive |
| promote a safe mall environment. Consider | | | | assistance. |
| whether these steps have been taken in your | | | | • Mall bathrooms should be checked |
| mall. | | | | regularly to ensure that there is no flooding. |
| • The visibility of patrolling security guards | | | | Exterior Safety |
| inside the mall may reduce theft to customers | | | | • Security guards should patrol the parking |
| and stores. Additionally, if an accident occurs, mall | | | | areas. |
| security will be able to take a statement, | | | | • Adequate lighting minimizes theft and |
| photograph the area, and obtain contact | | | | ensures ease of locating vehicles in parking areas. |
| information from the people involved. | | | | • Cart returns should be conveniently |
| • Appropriates signage is very important | | | | located and stores should have sufficient |
| because it warns shoppers to be careful and may | | | | employees to remove shopping carts from the |
| reduce liability. Common signage that may help | | | | lot, including those that are not properly returned. |
| reduce accidents or limit liability are: | | | | Furthermore, video camera surveillance can be |
| 1. Signs advising of wet floors. | | | | used to ensure that mall areas are properly |
| 2. Signs cautioning not to leave children | | | | maintained. They will also help alert mall personnel |
| unattended in carts or strollers. | | | | about accidents so they are handled expediently. |
| 3. Signs restricting food and drinks on store | | | | Keeping malls and stores safe and properly |
| premises. | | | | maintained protects customers and shopkeepers. |
| 4. Signs requesting that customers ask for | | | | Customers are more likely to shop in a mall |
| assistance with certain goods. | | | | where they feel safe. Additionally, money spent |
| 5. Signs cautioning riders to hold escalator rails | | | | to maintain a safe environment in malls and stores |
| while riding. | | | | may improve sales, reduce lawsuits, and protect |
| • Mall personnel should maintain floors so | | | | against liability claims. |