OSHA Issues Guidance for Retail Employers and Employees in Light of the Holiday Season

With the holiday season in full swing, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued updated guidance for the retail industry in the midst of the holiday season in an era of COVID-19. Many of the guidelines are actions employers should have already implemented earlier this year. However, employers should take the time to confirm that proper procedures have been implemented to ensure employees are safe in the holiday season. Even though this holiday season may bring out fewer shoppers than prior holiday seasons not affected by COVID-19, many retail stores will still see a surge of in-person shoppers.

One of the guidelines includes maintaining regular housekeeping practices such as cleaning surfaces and equipment, especially those in high-contact areas. OSHA recommends using cleaning chemicals that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), which can be found on the EPA’s website: www.epa.gov. OSHA also recommends implementing new approaches to better allow for social distancing at the workplace. For the retail industry, this includes areas around the cash registers, where holiday shoppers often gather. Some approaches include installation of plexiglass around cash registers, and limiting the number of cash registers open to only every other cash register. Increasing options for curbside pickup is also encouraged. A complete list of holiday guidance for retail workers can be found on OSHA’s website: www.osha.gov.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but OSHA offers a starting point for retail employers to ensure proper measures are being taken.



If you have any questions about this article, contact attorney Kiran Gill at kgill@lavellelaw.com or 847-705-7555.