Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other retailers are being told by the federal government to take greater precautions to protect workers from overly excited bargain hunters who come out on Black Friday.
Last year a worker was trampled by customers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends using a bullhorn to manage crowds, setting up barricades or rope lines, and clearing shopping carts away from entrances.
OSHA's guidelines also include using an Internet lottery for "hot" sales items, staffing entrances with uniformed guards, and providing public toilets.
The agency released a statement of these and other guidelines this week.
On Nov. 28, 2008 a temporary worker was trampled to death as shoppers stormed the entrance of a Wal-Mart in Valley Stream, N.Y., as it opened. Retailers are already placing ads with steep one-day Black Friday discounts on merchandise to lure customers.
The National Retail Federation ihas also issued guidelines for its members. Wal-Mart is extending store hours this year.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season.
Rising unemployment could make consumers more desperate for bargains.
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