Frequency of Workplace Controls and Associations With Safety Perceptions Among a National Sample of US Food Retail Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ceryes, Caitlin; Robinson, Joelle; Biehl, Erin; Wirtz, Andrea L.; Barnett, Daniel J.; Neff, Roni

Explore workplace control frequencies and factors associated with US food retail workers’ safety perceptions during COVID-19. METHODS: An online, cross-sectional survey captured working conditions and safety perceptions among a large, national sample of US food retail workers from July to October 2020. RESULTS: Overall, 40.3% reported feeling “not so” or “not protected” by COVID-19 controls. Administrative controls were more commonly reported (56.8% reported ≥5 controls) than engineering (19.5% reported ≥3). Fomite-related controls were more common than those reducing interpersonal contact. After adjustment, organizational safety climate (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.89), and perceived strict prevention measure enforcement (PR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.78) were associated with safety perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: Many workers do not feel well-protected by COVID-19 controls. Safety climate and control enforcement are associated with workers’ COVID-19 safety perceptions.