Retail, Hospitality, & Public Services Safety Training

Working with the public brings specific rules:

• Violence from the public. In BC, employers must assess the risk of violence from people other than workers and instruct workers at risk in recognizing it, the procedures in place, how to respond and get help, and how to report it (OHS Regulation s. 4.28 to 4.30).
• Gas stations and convenience stores. In Alberta, these need safe cash-handling procedures, video surveillance and a monitored personal emergency transmitter for workers alone (OHS Code s. 392.1 and 392.2). BC sets its own rules for late night retail premises (s. 4.22.1).
• Food service. In BC, the operator of a food service establishment must hold a FOODSAFE certificate or equivalent, and a certified employee must be present when the operator is away (Food Premises Regulation s. 10).

BCMSA Prevention of Workplace Violence (about 60 minutes) is written for people who deal with the public every day. It covers spotting a developing situation, defusing it, telephone hostility and conflict resolution.

Food handlers can take Food Safety for Food Handlers, a 7 to 8 hour course. Its description says it is approved as Level 1 food safety training in BC, YT, SK, MB, ON, NS, PE and NL, with a certificate valid for 5 years.

Slips, Trips and Falls (about 50 minutes) covers hazards to staff and customers. Firefighting & Fire Extinguisher Safety (about 90 minutes) covers fire classes, extinguisher types and fighting a small fire. Staff who work alone can add Working Alone Awareness Training.

Check two things:

• The food safety course needs a webcam for the final exam and must be finished within 30 days of starting. Alberta is not on its list of approving jurisdictions.
• Your employer still instructs you on its own violence prevention procedures.