As the holiday season unfolds, the U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers to ensure a safe work environment for employees and to pay them all of their legally earned wages.
The National Retail Federation predicts retailers will hire more than 500,000 seasonal workers. The labor department reminded employers on Nov. 22 not to overlook their workers' rights to a safe and healthy workplace.These steps include not overworking employees, paying all earned wages and following approved workplace practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The holiday season is typically a very busy time for businesses, and just as consumer demands increase, so must an employer’s awareness of keeping their employees safe,” Assistant Secretary of Labor for Safety and Health Doug Parker said in the statement.
The labor department encourages employers to fully train all employees on workplace hazards for retail, warehouse and delivery workers and reminds them that OSHA provides guidance and resources on workers' rights and protections, including temporary, seasonal and younger workers.
The department also reminds employers must take steps to protect employees from exposure to COVID-19 and that businesses should familiarize themselves with federal wage laws.
“The Wage and Hour Division finds failing to pay salespeople and cashiers for time spent prepping or closing out registers, requiring stock room and warehouse personnel to work through breaks without pay, and not paying workers overtime pay when required are among the most common violations cited in holiday employment investigations,” the labor department reports.
“This holiday season, and all year round, workers deserve dignity and respect from their employers,” Acting Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman said in the statement.
