Retailers: Pause OSHA Mask Enforcement Ahead of CDC Updates

Varied CDC, State Guidance Puts Retail in Difficult Position

In a letter to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and OSHA Administrator Douglas Parker, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) President Brian Dodge implored the regulatory agency to pause enforcement actions against employers making a good-faith effort to navigate conflicting guidance from the CDC and state health departments that have begun rolling back covid restrictions and mask mandates. 
 
“The divergence between CDC guidance and state and local health departments is putting retailers and their employees in a difficult position,” said RILA President Brian Dodge. “Contradictions are causing confusion among the public, and that confusion too often leads to frustration and confrontation in stores.”
 
Retailers have been vocal advocates and partners in the community for sound public health measures, including mask-wearing, testing, and vaccination.
 
“The sooner the CDC announces updated guidance on masks and other safety protocols, the sooner it will help alleviate the confusion among the public and businesses who are operating in good faith. In the interim, we are asking OSHA to pause enforcement actions and work with leading retailers to ensure they can safely serve every community,” added Dodge. 

The full letter here.

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
 

Tags
  • Workforce
  • Public Policy
  • Keeping Communities Safe

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