- Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers resources of businesses bolstering their workforces for holiday shopping
- National Retail Federation expects that retailers will add 500,000 seasonal workers this year
- OSHA offers information on pay practices, COVID-19 safety precautions, and more
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
As retailers increase their workforces to meet the rush of holiday shoppers, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration is offering resources to ensure that they are keeping employees safe and abiding by current regulations.
The National Retail Federation expects that stores will hire about half a million seasonal workers to meet consumer demand. OSHA is reminding employers of their obligation to pay workers their legally earned wages and comply with safety rules.
- Businesses can familiarize themselves with COVID-19 precautions, including crowd management procedures designed to minimize contact between employees and customers
- Retailers may also need to follow rules specific to warehouse workers, forklift operators, and teenage employees
- Common missteps include failing to pay cashiers for the time preparing and closing out registers, requiring employees to work through breaks, and not providing adequate overtime pay