If you’re in the firearms retail business, it’s important to make sure that your store is a safe place for both employees and customers. Here are six tips to help you stay safe while working.
1. Educate Your Employees
There are a few key points to cover regarding this topic:
- Educate your employees on the laws regarding firearms in the workplace. Make sure they know where firearms are allowed and where they are not.
- Discuss the importance of proper gun storage. Employees should know how to store firearms in the workplace safely.
- Talk about what to do in an active shooter situation.
Employees should know how to stay calm and follow instructions from law enforcement. Finally, emphasize the importance of never bringing a firearm to work without permission from management.
2. Make Right Investments in Safety
According to the National Safety Council, workplace accidents cost employers billions of dollars yearly in medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims. And while some accidents are impossible to prevent, there are steps that employers can take to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace.
Investigating safety measures such as target mats and backstops for businesses that use firearms helps create a safer working environment. By catching missiles, lead and brass, these products can help to minimize the hazards associated with flying debris. In addition, they can also help to protect nearby workers from ricochet bullets.
Moreover, retailers should use secure firearm display cabinets so that no one can access the firearms without permission. These cabinets can also be closed during non-working hours to prevent smash and grab break-ins. However, while maintaining security, your staff members will still have easy access to firearms and accessories for seamless business operations.
3. Be vigilant
In the United States, guns are a part of many workplaces. Whether employees carry firearms for protection or use them as part of their job, employers must be aware of the potential hazards. Gun safety should be a top priority in any workplace where firearms are present.
There are several steps employers can take to help ensure firearm safety in the workplace. First, they should develop and communicate clear policies regarding firearms. Employees should be aware of where guns are allowed and not and should be familiar with the proper procedures for handling and storing firearms.
Second, employers should provide training on gun safety, both for employees who will be carrying firearms and for those who will be working close to them. Finally, employers should regularly monitor compliance with gun safety policies and procedures.
4. Follow Local and Federal Laws
In many states, it is against the law to bring a firearm into the workplace unless it is stored in a locked case or container. Additionally, employers must post signs informing employees that firearms are not allowed on the premises. Violating these laws can result in severe consequences, including fines and jail time.
In addition to following the law, it is essential to take other precautions to ensure workplace safety. For example, if you keep a firearm at home, ensure it is stored in a safe place where children cannot access it. Employees who bring firearms to work should also be trained to handle and store them safely.
5. Keep Your Store Clean and Organized
Clutter and poor housekeeping can lead to accidental discharge of firearms and provide hiding places for potential assailants. A tidy store will also help you quickly identify and correct potential hazards. Here are some tips for keeping your store clean and organized:
- Establish a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Daily sweeping and mopping will help keep your floors clean and clear of debris.
- Don’t let clothes, boxes, or other items accumulate in hallways or behind counters. Not only does this create fire hazards, but it also makes it difficult for people to evacuate in an emergency.
- Keep shelves and counters free of clutter. If possible, designate specific areas for certain items to be easily found when needed.
- Regularly check furniture, fixtures, and equipment for damage or wear. Repair or replace any damaged items to prevent accidents.
By following these simple tips, you can help create a safe and orderly workplace that minimizes the risk of accidents.
6. Regularly Review Your Safety Procedures
According to studies, In 2020, there were over 45,000 deaths caused due to firearms. And these numbers are for the United States alone, meaning that around 124 people die from a firearm-related injury daily. Employers must regularly review their safety procedures for workplace safety to help prevent these tragic accidents. Although some employers may feel they already have adequate safety procedures, reviewing them regularly is always a good idea. Additionally, reviewing the procedures can help identify potential weaknesses that an intruder could exploit.
By following these simple tips, employers can help create a safer workplace for their employees. By keeping the workplace clean and organized, conducting regular security audits, and reviewing safety procedures regularly, employers can help prevent tragic accidents.
