OSHA Provides Black Friday Guidance

In the wake of last year’s Black Friday stampede that left a Walmart employee dead, OSHA has issued new guidance on procedures to avoid a disaster  such as that this year.

The guidance emphasizes planning for large crowd accomodations and use of local law enforcement resources to be available should the crowd size reach a level not anticipated. Also, the document discusses instituting a training program for workers who will be onsite during the event, and make sure they understand what procedures are to be followed.

Also mentioned are the need for barricades and communication devices to make sure customers understand the rules of the event. Stores should consider whether to supply toilet facilities in the event of long waits. It is also recommended that a ticketing system be implemented to make customers aware what order they are permitted entrance.

Of course no plan is foolproof, but it should be expected that the stores will be more prepared this year, and in future years, than last year.