// Occupations and Workplaces

Retail Sales and Service - General

What are the general duties of someone who works in retail sales and service or in a similar job that involves working with the public? Some of the main duties of sales and service personnel in stores, hotels and other locations are to: Greet customers and discuss details of the transaction.

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Some of the main duties of sales and service personnel in stores, hotels and other locations are to:

  • duty Greet customers and discuss details of the transaction.
  • duty Provide information to customers about products and services.
  • duty Determine method of payment, and prepare bills, invoices and other documents.
  • duty Assemble displays of merchandise.
  • duty Maintain inventory of merchandise.
  • duty Maintain internal record-keeping systems.
  • duty Working with computers, bar readers, payment machines, and other electronic devices.
  • duty Clean or sanitize work spaces.
  • duty Be aware of customer actions while on the premises (e.g., be alert to potential issues or acts of theft).
  • general Standing for long hours.
  • chemical Exposure to various chemicals and materials, which may include paints, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, perfumes, or cleaning products.
  • general Indoor air quality.
  • ergonomic Repetitive manual tasks or working in awkward positions.
  • ergonomic Risk of back injury from pushing, pulling or lifting objects.
  • safety Injuries from sharp objects, knives, scissors, box cutters, etc.
  • physical Exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • safety Slips, trips and falls.
  • safety Risk of overhead materials falling.
  • general Working on ladders or other potentially unstable structures.
  • psychosocial Risk of bullying, harassment, or violence.
  • psychosocial Working alone.
  • general Handling money.
  • psychosocial Stress.
  • safety Fire.
  • psychosocial Fatigue or other health effects of shift work or extended work days.
  • biological Exposure to common viruses such as colds and seasonal influenza.
  • administrative Learn safe lifting procedures.
  • administrative Learn fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures, including using fire extinguishers and knowing how to assist customers when evacuating.
  • requirement Learn how to use equipment and tools safely.
  • requirement Avoid or take frequent breaks from awkward body positions.
  • ppe Wear appropriate footwear and other personal protective equipment when needed, such as eye and face protectors, gloves, respirators, or high-visibility safety apparel.
  • requirement Keep all work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
  • administrative Establish good housekeeping practices.
  • administrative Learn safe handling and storage procedures before working with hazardous products or consumer chemical products.
  • requirement Know how to react in a negative or violent situation.
  • administrative Know how to stay safe when working alone. For example, have a reporting system that includes a mobile phone or other alternative means to contact a designated person when working alone.
  • requirement Do not exceed the capacity of the shelves when storing merchandise.
  • requirement Do not block fire exits and fire extinguishers.
  • requirement Keep a first-aid kit within easy access.
  • requirement Practice safe lifting.
  • requirement Find ways to minimize musculoskeletal disorders on the job.
  • requirement Take all safety precautions when working on ladders.
  • administrative Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
  • requirement Follow company safety rules.
  • requirement Learn about chemical safety, WHMIS and SDSs.
  • administrative Know how to report a hazard and near miss.
  • administrative Follow good housekeeping and cleaning and sanitation procedures.
  • requirement Use hand washing to reduce the risk of common infections.

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Chemicals

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Diseases, Disorders, Injuries

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Lifting, pushing, pulling

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Mould

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Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

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Pandemics

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Scents

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Shiftwork

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Sitting, standing, …

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Stress

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Temperature

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Violence / Bullying

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WHMIS/GHS/SDS

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Working Alone

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Retail Sales and Service - General

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