Most workers have experienced additional stresses related to work during the pandemic, and young workers are no different. In fact, young workers may be even more impacted during this period of time because of their lack of work experience, seniority and telework opportunities, making most jobs public-facing. Additionally, some of the factors that put young workers at additional risk for injuries and illnesses during normal times may be escalated.

We asked some of the young workers we know to share their experiences with us, and here are some of their stories.

Grocery store cashier
Since COVID-19, my biggest fear and hazard I encounter seem to be guests who refuse to wear their masks properly.  I would estimate that about 50% of the guests I see wear their masks below their nose.  In addition to that, we occasionally get the guest who wears a lace mask.  In all of these circumstances, we aren’t allowed to ask guests to adjust their masks because it may lead to a conflict.

Retail store cashier
I currently work at a retail store as a cashier/store associate and we sell different items, but since we sell food we never closed down during Covid-19 and for me, that was scary because I was living with people who were at risk of catching it at the time. 

Spa esthetician
I have been working in spas as an Esthetician for the past 10 years and there are many occupational health aspects that I have seen among the different spas that I have worked at. Currently, with COVID-19 we are taking all of the extra precautions to keep our clients safe but it is certainly odd being in one of the few professions that are working up and close to people’s faces. My clients take their masks off in the room, and I wear an N-95 mask and a face shield to protect myself but it definitely feels different with this new reality that we are living in.

Donut shop cashier
I have a love/hate relationship with my job. The thing I like most is interacting with customers and seeing my usual customers. With everything going on nowadays everyone is required to wear a face masks and at my job we require one at the drive thru, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to require one because it’s more of a courtesy than a burden. But I think people don’t really understand the whole point of a mask because sometimes they’ll be touching their face or biting their fingers and then giving me money and touching my hands.

These stories were shared prior to Oregon OSHA’s temporary emergency COVID-19 was put in place. We are hopeful that fellow Oregonians understand the difficulties and demands placed on all workers, and treat each worker with the respect and appreciation deserved. We appreciate the young workers willing to share their stories for this blog and hope that all young workers are able to stay safe and healthy.

Here are some COVID-19 exposure prevention guidance resources:
Grocery & Food Retail Workers
Restaurants & Bars
Nail Salon Employees
Oregon OSHA’s online COVID-19 training requirements course
Mandatory job-specific Oregon OSHA guidelines (as appendices to Oregon OSHA Temporary Rule addressing COVID-19 in the workplace)