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Published on: February 10, 2016
Occupational pressures of frontline workers enforcing COVID-19 pandemic measures in Ontario and Quebec, Canada
Pamela Hopwood1, Ellen MacEachen1, Daniel Coté2,3
1School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-wage public-facing frontline workers (FLWs), such as grocery store clerks, were required to monitor retail customers and enforce COVID-19 protocols.
Objective:
This analysis aimed to examine FLWs experiences of enforcing COVID-19 pandemic measures.
Methods:
Between September 2020 and March 2021, in Ontario and Quebec (Canada), we conducted in-depth interviews about customer-related work and health risks with FLWs who interacted with the public (n = 40) and their supervisors (n = 16). Using a lens of situational analysis, verbatim transcripts were coded according to recurring topics.
Results:
We found that enforcing public health measures placed already-precarious workers in difficult occupational health circumstances. Enforcement of measures created additional workplace responsibilities, stress, and exposed them to potentially negative reactions from customers.
Conclusions:
Interventions to better support these workers and improved methods of protection are discussed.
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