Views on the wearing hearing aids in a food packaging environment

Hello everbody.

Does any body by any chance have any views on the wearing of hearing aids in a food packaging environment. We recently had a visitor that had hearing aids and it has rasied the following points. 

In particular the type that clip behind the persons ear. Should they be allowed in the packaing area? Does the hairnet provide sufficent protection in order to prevent the hearing or part of the aid aid falling of and ending in the packaging line? Is there any way of ensuring that it is safe to wear a hearing aid in the food area?

Obvioulsy you cannot discrimate against somebody that requires hearing aids but by the same token can you guarantee 100% safety.

Any views would be gratefully received.

Hello everbody.

 

Does any body by any chance have any views on the wearing of hearing aids in a food packaging environment. We recently had a visitor that had hearing aids and it has rasied the following points. 

 

In particular the type that clip behind the persons ear. Should they be allowed in the packaing area? Does the hairnet provide sufficent protection in order to prevent the hearing or part of the aid aid falling of and ending in the packaging line? Is there any way of ensuring that it is safe to wear a hearing aid in the food area?

 

Obvioulsy you cannot discrimate against somebody that requires hearing aids but by the same token can you guarantee 100% safety.

 

Any views would be gratefully received.

I've have worked with several employees with hearing aids.  A hair net is fine.  They are  metal detectable & an employee knows right away if they have lost it.  I classify it as PPE - because if you can't hear, you might get run over with a forklift.  Hearing aids for all!

I agree.  Make sure they wear their hairnet over their ears if that is not the normal requirement in your facility.

It is a large personnel safety (visitor safety) concern as Magenta said for many reasons.