The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) are emphasizing worker safety during the holiday shopping season, as well as reminding employers and employees about fair pay practices this season.

This time of the year there are temporary and seasonal workers who might not be familiar with their rights and who might need additional training to maintain a safe workplace.

“Whether employees are stocking shelves, packing boxes, delivering products, or selling merchandise, they have the right to a safe workplace,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Employers should focus on their responsibility to protect all employees during the busy holiday season.”

Retail workers face potential hazards from large crowds and employers are encouraged to try and address the risks with trained security personnel or roped lines for pedestrians, as well as crowd control measures and emergency procedures.

All temporary workers have a right to a safe work environment and to be paid for the work they perform. The DOL offers tools and information so workers can ensure they are being paid properly and so that employers can make sure they are taking care of their responsibilities.

Read the release from OSHA https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/11202018-0here and access even more resources to make sure this holiday season is safe for all.