OSHA Issues Safety Alert for Restaurants Providing Curbside Pickup, Takeout

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 | 0

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued an alert with safety tips for restaurant, food and beverage businesses to protect their workers from coronavirus exposure while they provide curbside pickup and takeout service.

OSHA recommends that businesses implement the following:

• Reserve parking spaces near the front door for curbside pickup only.
• Avoid direct handoff when possible.
• Display a door or sidewalk sign with the services available, instructions for pickup and hours of operation.
• Practice sensible social distancing by maintaining 6 feet between co-workers and customers. Mark 6-foot distances with floor tape in pickup lines; encourage customers to pay ahead of time by phone or online; temporarily move workstations to create more distance; and install plexiglass partitions, if feasible.
• Allow workers to wear masks over their noses and mouths to prevent spreading the virus.
• Provide a place to wash hands and alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

The alert is the latest effort by OSHA to educate and protect workers and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OSHA has also published guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19, a document aimed at helping workers and employers learn about ways to protect themselves and their workplaces during the pandemic.