Retail staff should check out back pain checklist

Shopworkers' union USDAW has issued a "checkout checklist" to stamp out back pain among till operators who lift several tonnes of goods during an average shift.

Produced to tie in with the Health and Safety Executive's "Better Backs" campaign, the checklist covers basic safety issues such as suitable seating, proper training in till use, regular breaks, tidiness and cleanliness in the checkout area, workplace temperature and till maintenance.

It is available at www.usdaw.org.uk/healthandsafety/toolkit/files/Healthy%20Checkouts.doc