Store safety programs were once largely focused on topics such as simple tripping hazards and safe lifting. However, the demands we now face in the retail setting have resulted in significant adjustments to our safety programs over the years. Today, our strategies have evolved to take on new and different challenges, which must include everything from addressing aggressive behaviors, to mental health, and even active threats. Creating an environment where customers feel safe shopping in our stores and where our associates are comfortable at work is critical—not only to a company’s bottom line but to its sustainability in the communities they serve.
Watch this on-demand presentation of “SAFE Stores: Strategies for Creating a Culture of Safety in Retail in 2024” as our distinguished panel of subject matter experts from Big Y Foods, The Kroger Company, and Walgreens joins LP Magazine for an in-depth discussion on what it means to “be safe” in 2024, reviewing a broad spectrum of health and safety topics that impact retailers on a daily basis—and the creative programs they have developed to keep our stores, our customers, and our employees safe.
Our Panelists:
Maureen Fuller – Senior Manager of Asset Protection at Big Y Foods: As a member of the Big Y Family for 34 years, Maureen has a background in operations and customer service holding various positions in the stores, which greatly helped her transition into asset protection. After arriving in asset protection, she held several positions including 16 years as the AP field manager, recently being promoted to senior manager of asset protection. Her responsibilities include oversight of all AP personnel, internal and external investigations, operational compliance and shrink mitigation, and physical security.
Tina Baumann – Senior Manager of Safety and OSHA Compliance at The Kroger Company: Over the course of her 27 years with Kroger, Baumann has held a number of diverse leadership roles in addition to her safety expertise. She spent 22 years in multiple manufacturing divisions as a senior leader of human resources and safety compliance. After moving to the corporate office, Tina led the COVID-19 effort for the enterprise. For the last three years she has led the Safety and Compliance Team for all retail locations, jewelry locations, and central fill pharmacy. As part of this role, she also leads the Kroger “AllSafe!” initiative, which highlights employees who have gone above and beyond to contribute life-saving support to customers and employees across the enterprise.
Amber Durkin – Senior Director of Employee and Environmental Safety at Walgreens: Amber has been managing safety and health programs for companies for 19 years, the last eight as a member of the Walgreens team where she has been responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining programs, policies, and practices related to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulatory compliance and risk management across the business.
Julie Biederman – Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Walgreens: As the primary member of the environmental, safety, and health team at Walgreens, Julie reports to the senior director, where she is responsible for occupational health and safety programs, as well as environmental, injury management, and liability losses.
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