Ergonomics: Grocery Store Checkout
Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores
Ergonomic principles for safely working at the grocery store checkout.
Use a powered in-feed conveyor to help cashiers bring the items to their best work zone, rather than leaning and reaching to get items further up the conveyor.
Use a "sweeper" to move items on the conveyor within the checker's reach.
Locate commonly used items such as the cash drawer and printer within easy horizontal reach.
Place in-feed and take-away conveyor belts as close as possible to the cashier to minimize reaching.
Consider using checkstands designed with an adjustable sit/stand or lumbar support against which cashiers can lean.
Remove, round-off, or pad sharp or hard edges with which the cashier may come into contact.
Provide foot rests for cashiers. Alternately resting the feet helps to reduce fatigue.
Provide adequate toe space (at least 4 inches) at the bottom of the workstation. Toe space allows cashiers to move closer to the checkstand, decreasing reaching requirements.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
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Washington, DC 20210
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