Child Suffers Head Injuries Due to Unsafe Retail Display

Case Overview

This case involves a child that was injured at a large retail store after wandering into a section that was roped off. The section contained a number of snowblowers, some of which were on display as floor models while others were kept in boxes on shelves. While the child was in the area, a large product fell off a shelf and landed on the child, causing a serious head injury. An expert in retail safety was sought to discuss appropriate safety measures and roping procedures for retail stores.

Questions to the Slip And Fall expert and their responses

Please describe your experience in retail safety, specifically regarding products out for display.

I have over 35 years of retail design, display design, and maintenance experience for major retailers and an architectural education background. I am familiar with the industry standards set by Home Depot, Sears, Lowe's, Menard's, Target, and Walmart, and I am well versed in building code, ADA, and OSHA regulations. I have provided at least 20 opinion reports addressing instances of retail display causing injury, as well as staff compliance to display preparation policies.

What industry standards are in place to prevent this type of incident?

Manufacturer manuals often provide warnings and preventive measures to avoid injury. Without seeing the actual display presentation, the following needs to be considered: 1. Method of roping off the section 2. Notice to customers not to enter the section 3. Notice on product as to safe storage methods 4. Lighting in the section. All of the above are mentioned in chain safety manuals and training guides to staff.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has been in the retail and retail planning industry for over 40 years. He received his BS in architectural technology from the New York Institute of Technology and his BA in architecture from the City College of New York. This expert has received numerous prestigious awards in his industry including the Best Specialty Store Design and the Best Store Fixture Design. His articles on store design have been featured in magazines such as Display Design Ideas and New York Magazine. This expert has held executive and management positions as a store planner at multiple retail companies, and he is currently the principal of his own retail store planning consulting firm. He specializes in store layout, design, and safety with a client base that includes Macy's, Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Stop and Shop, and many more.