Ergonomics: Grocery Store Checkout

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)
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
www.osha.gov