Keeping Retail Workers Safe During Pandemic

OSHA has issued COVID-19 guidance to help employers keep retail workers safe.

The tips are designed for employers in the retail industry, including pharmacies, supermarkets, and big box stores.

OSHA advises employers to:

• Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick
• Provide a place to wash hands or alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol
• Maintain regular housekeeping practices, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment with EPA-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus
• Practice sensible social distancing, maintaining six feet between co-workers and customers, where possible

Social Distancing

Many workplaces have already marked six-foot distances with floor tape in checkout lines.

Workplaces where social distancing is a challenge should consider innovative approaches, such as opening every other cash register, or temporarily moving workstations to create more distance.

Already, many stores have installed plexiglass partitions.

OSHA advises use of a drive-through window or curbside pick-up, providing workers and customers with sanitized wipes and trash receptacles, and training workers in proper hygiene practices.

Employers should allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus, and require all customers to wear them. Earlier this year, the CDC addressed the issue of protecting retail workers who enforce customer mask use.

Employers should also encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns, OSHA said.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Philip Montgomery (860.244.1982).