By James L. Curtis, Adam R. Young, Patrick D. Joyce, Daniel R. Birnbaum, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The U.S. Division of Labor Tweeted and blogged in regards to the safety of staff in the course of the busy vacation season, indicating an space of potential enforcement for OSHA within the coming weeks.
Unsurprisingly, OSHA has focused workplace transmission of COVID-19 as a prime vacation safety and health concern. All employers who’re bringing on extra or short-term staff for the vacations should train extra care of their implementation of COVID-19 controls and prevention measures. In gentle of an anticipated surge in circumstances attributable to elevated hiring of seasonal staff, in addition to non-work-related household and social gatherings, OSHA up to date its steering on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The up to date steering follows OSHA’s new Emergency Temporary Standard on Vaccines, Testing, and Face Coverings pending earlier than the 6th Circuit.
Even earlier than COVID-19, crowd administration has at all times been a vacation concern. If massive crowds are anticipated for vacation buying occasions, employers ought to plan forward and take steps to guard workers. The DOL has crowd management guidance to assist employers forestall employee accidents throughout crowded buying occasions.
As well as, for these employers hiring new or short-term staff for the vacations, it’s vital to “train them for the risks they may encounter on the job“ – together with the way to cut back publicity to the coronavirus. Importantly, make sure to know the rules that apply to teen workers if using anybody underneath 18. DOL additionally stresses that it’s crucial that each employee is educated in a language they can perceive and be inspired to boost any health or safety considerations to their supervisor with out worry of retaliation.
Regarding warehousing, distribution, and supply hazards, the DOL has up to date its steering for preserving workers safe, together with:
We now have blogged earlier than on this and comparable matters earlier than: OSHA Guidelines for Retailers on Holiday Shopping and Crowd Management Safety, Have Yourself a Safe, Undistracted, and Accident Free Holiday, and Don’t Let Too Much Eggnog Ruin Your Office Holiday Party: Tips to Limit Employer Liability at Company Parties.
For extra info on vaccines or any associated subject, please contact the authors, your Seyfarth lawyer, or any member of the Workplace Safety and Health (OSHA/MSHA) or the Workplace Counseling & Solutions Groups.