The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor issued a guide for retail operations. This is neither a standard, nor a regulation and therefore does not impose legal obligations. Their guidance for retail employers and workers is therefore within the context of providing a workplace free of recognized hazards.
Employers Should Remain Alert for Changing Conditions
The OSHA recommends employers remain alert for shifting outbreaks. These are particularly important in the context of community spread and availability of test equipment. They should use these as indicators for additional infection prevention measures, especially as Opening up America Again evolves.
OSHA guidance for retail employers and workers visualizes employers assessing the risks workers face, deciding on mitigation action, and encouraging workers to implement these controls. However, risk exposure may not be the same throughout a retail store, and therefore workers do need to understand what they are asked to do.
Guidance for Retail Employers and Workers in Terms of Exposure
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides a risk matrix we link to at the close of this article. Here is a summary of their advice:
1… LOWER RISK – Performing administrative duties, handling goods in stockrooms, working outside retail hours
2… MEDIUM RISK – Working in high volume retail environments, points of sale, and other high traffic areas
3… HIGH AND VERY HIGH RISK – The OSHA regards these levels unlikely in terms of anticipated retail tasks
The OSHA guide suggests implementing engineering controls such as cash register lanes, rope and stanchion systems, and physical barriers. Because these measures can help protect workers from airborne infection.
Their guidance for retail employers and workers closes with administrative controls to reduce infection. They believe sanitizing frequently-touched surfaces, and asking customers to do the same are the best options available at the present time.
Related
Disinfecting Work Space When Returning
Face Coverings and Employer Responsibilities
Preview Image: Shoppers Taking Precautions
