Recently there has been disinformation being spread on the internet, social media platforms, emails, and even some postings at offices regarding the wearing of facemasks. The claim states:
It is unsafe to wear the provided masks that the USPS is handing out and a violation of OSHA guidelines and laws for anyone to ATTEMPT to force any employees to wear a face mask when they do not wish to. Please view the attached video and read the attached documents. I as well as several other employees will immediately report to OSHA any attempts to force us to wear masks since the usps is not doing it in a safe manner as prescribed by law. If anyone is sent home they , as they should , will expect to receive administrative pay for any and all hours lost.
This is not an accurate statement ash OSHA has made no such claim. It has in fact, been debunked by multiple sources:
USA Today—OSHA didn’t say cloth masks offer no COVID-19 Protection
WUSA CBS News—OSHA does recommend face masks in public and businesses
The APWU also had our safety and health consultant examine the claims and report back to the APWU on the issue debunking the claim. You can find his report attached.
Continue to wear your masks, follow the local and state mandates, wash your hands, stay home when you are sick, and practice social distancing.
Please Disseminate.