No Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1
Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Ordered to wear a mask that covers my nose and mouth while working on position. Noticed multiple read back errors as pilots were having a difficult time hearing and understanding my control instructions. Covering my mouth directly impacted my ability to communicate effectively with pilots. Wearing a mask while on position is also a major distraction as it interferes with my headset. I feel as though I could not efficiently control traffic; check routes and perform any other duties on position with this distraction. I believe this has also led to a work environment wherein certain members of management are seeking disciplinary action against controllers. This is raising the stress level of an already stressful atmosphere.It has become abundantly clear that safety of the NAS is no longer the priority at ZZZ Center. Air Traffic Control Specialists should not be required to cover our mouths while on position. The safety of the NAS and the flying public is being compromised to comply with a 'mask mandate' order. Covering one's mouth with anything while on position directly effects an Air Traffic Control Specialist's ability to safely and efficiently separate aircraft; issue control instructions and disseminate weather information. I do not accept responsibility for potential incidents or fatalities due to being forced to cover my mouth while on position. It is unsafe.
Center Controller reported safety concerns with having to wear face masks while on position. Controller referenced the face mask is distracting and make instructions difficult for pilots to understand.