Being A Cashier

Aching backs and tired arms after a day's hard work?  No, it does not necessary mean that you are getting on with age.  It could mean that you're not performing your job right!  Before we continue, take a look at the following, and question yourself.  If the answer to any of the following is a 'no', the activity may be a potential source of ergonomic concern.

• Are items within easy reach?
• Are keyboard supports adjustable?
• Can you work with items at about elbow height?
• Can the display be read without twisting?
• Are all edges smoothed or rounded such that you won’t come into contact with sharp or hard edges
• Are objects easily scanned the first time?
• Are objects scanned without twisting hand motions?
• Can you scan heavy/bulky/awkward items without lifting them?
• Do you have an anti-fatigue mat and/or footrest?
• Is the height of the bag stand adjustable?
• Do the bags have handles?
• Can the bags be placed into the cart without you having to lean over the checkstand or twisting your back?

Some may think that the above are trivial matters, but they do contribute to Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD).  WMSD refers to conditions where the workers have experienced discomfort in one or multiple body parts, pain in the joints, tingling and swelling.

1.  Poor Workstation Layout
Is your surface of your workstation too high or low for you?  Are you required to reach for items?  Does the placement of workstation components (conveyer belt, scanner, cash register, and keyboard) force you to: twist your body to pick up and scan items, or stand in an awkward, static posture?

You could be at risk of attaining the following:

• Back pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Bursitis, sprains, and strains in your shoulders, arms, and hands
• Tendonitis in your shoulder, elbows, and wrist
• Tenosynovitis in your hand and wrists

Some solutions to this problem:

• Items ought to be brought close to you with a conveyer belt, to avoid reaching
• Commonly used items (eg, cash drawer and printer) ought to be placed within easy horizontal reach
• Remove, round-off any sharp edges which you may come into contact with.
• Provide adequate toe space, such that you are closer to the workstation, and less reaching is required. 
• Adjust the bag rack such that the bottom of the rack is at or above your knee level and the top of the rack is close to the counter level.
• Place keyboards on supports that adjust in height, horizontal distance and tilt to keep work within the preferred work zone. 
• Perform work within the preferred work zone.

What exactly is the preferred work zone though?

• As far forward as your hand when you hold your arm out straight
• A foot on either side of your shoulders
• Upper level at shoulder height
• Lower level at fingertips, with hands held at the sides

2.  Handling Large, Bulky Items

Ever met with customers who purchase goods in huge bulks?  How do you normally bag these items then?  You may be handling these items the wrong way!  Always try to:

• Use a handheld scanner if available
• Do not lift a heavy item on attempting to search for the barcode or pricetag.  Turn it on the conveyor instead.
• Instead of scanning the item, type the code into the cash register or scan the barcode from a list.
• Always use 2 hands to lift and lower heavy items
• Bend your knees and lift a heavy object, instead of twisting your body or bending at your waist
• Do not sit while handling heavy items, always stand.

3. Standing Still for Prolonged Periods

Cashiers are often expected to stand for prolonged periods of time.  Working in standing positions can be linked to versatility and promotes workers to be more efficient and productive.  Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, chronic venous insufficiency, preterm birth and spontaneous abortion, and carotid atherosclerosis have been identified as common health problems associated with prolonged standing.

Here are some ways to resolve this problem:

• Shift your weight occasionally from one foot to another
• Use a footrest or rail to rest your foot
• Mild compression stockings (shown to reduce oedema and unpleasant feelings of the legs in healthy individuals)
• Make use of an anti-fatigue mat or shoe insoles (shown to be more comfortable than standing on hard floor)
• Knee bending is one of the effective ways for suppressing lower leg swelling and minimizing subjective complaints
• Consider using a sit-stand stool to lean on to take some weight off your feet.  
• Take regular breaks
• Sit down at your workstation when there are no customers around
• Task rotations
• Perform stretches from time to time to relax and relieve the tension in your muscles
• Always ensure that your postures is right!

Hope the above information had been informative and beneficial to you.  If you believe that you have a WMSD, seek help immediately. If nothing is done about it, it can only get worse.  Speak to your superiors about modifications in your job scope that could aid you in performing your job efficiently and safely.

 Jessica Lee Si Qi

095826E

PT0901 (Group 60)

Nanyang Polytechnic, School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy

References

• Halim, I., and Omar, A.R. (2011). A review on health effects associated with prolonged standing in the industrial workplaces. IJRRAS 8(1) July 2011  
• Health and Safety Ontario. (2011).  Working as a cashier. [Brochure] Workplace Safety and Prevention Services.
• Jonker, M. J., Boer, E. M. D., Ader, H. J., and Bezemer P. D. (2001). The oedema-protective effective of lycra support stockings. Dermatology, vol. 203, pp. 294-298, 2001.
• King, P. M.  (2002). A comparison of the effects of floor mats and shoe in-soles on standing fatigue. Applied Ergonomics, vol. 33, pp. 477-484, 2002.
• Ministry of Manpower. Guidelines on work in standing/sitting positions. [Brochure] Occupational Safety and Health Division.
• Simoneau S., St-Vinvent, M., and Chicoine, D. (1996). Work related musculoskeletal disorders: A better understanding for more effective prevention.
• ·       U.S. Department of Labor (2004) Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. (n.d). [Brochure] Occupational Safety and Health Administration