A case for Occupational Health?

[Starfish38]

Hi. In a nutshell, my colleague in kitchen work will not wear a hair covering of any description (despite us trying to accommodate her) properly. She always has to have her hair exposed at the front, which is the problem in food handling. She can't tie it back as it's curly and shorter than the main head of hair, though not a fringe. She willl not wear anything without bringing it out. My belief is it is to do with vanity, she claims it hurts her. My understanding is that if you can't cover or tie back your hair, you can't prepare food. I want to ask HR to refer her to OH so that they can find out exactly what is wrong and perhaps they have a list of things available to them that our catering catalogue doesn't. Our OH is at a hospital so they will have all sorts of other options. Strictly speaking, she should not be preparing food until the problem is resolved, but our manager hasn't done anything about it. How can I best phrase the suggestion to HR that something needs to be done now, once and for all? Please advise, thanks.

[wales01man]

Just ask HR if its compulsory to have a hair covering?

[TaheenS]

Here's how you can phrase your suggestion to HR:

Subject: Food Safety Concern - Hair Restraint in Kitchen

Dear [HR contact name],

I'm writing to raise a concern about food safety protocols in the kitchen. Currently, a colleague has difficulty wearing a hair restraint properly, leaving some hair exposed while preparing food.

We've tried to find a solution that works for her, but haven't been successful. While she expresses discomfort with tying back her hair due to its texture and length, it's crucial to maintain proper hygiene in food handling.

Our manager is aware of the situation, but no further steps have been taken.

I recommend involving the Occupational Health (OH) department at the hospital. They might have alternative hair restraints or solutions that cater to her specific situation, ensuring both comfort and food safety compliance.

It's important to address this issue promptly to maintain a hygienic food preparation environment.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Key points:

• Focus on the issue: Frame the concern around food safety protocols and hygiene, not your colleague's vanity.
• Highlight efforts made: Briefly mention attempts to find a solution.
• Suggest OH involvement: Present it as a way to explore alternative options for her specific situation.
• Urgency: Emphasize the need for a prompt resolution.
• Professional tone: Maintain a professional and objective tone throughout the email.

[atticus]

The wonders of ChatGPT!

[Benny8902]

Just ask them to wear a hair net. No need for OH to get involved. Seems like a waste of resources.

[Manxman]

Just ask them to wear a hair net. No need for OH to get involved. Seems like a waste of resources.

Isn't the problem that other employees have asked her to wear a hair net but she claims she can't, and their manager is useless?

If food hygiene is important then of course it isn't a waste of resources...