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Workers refusing to trim their beards

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carine

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Posted 05 April 2019 - 07:41 AM

Hi All, 

 

We have few workers refuse to trim their bears , claimed that it is religious's requirement. Any of you encounter this issue and how you all go about it?   



pHruit

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Posted 05 April 2019 - 08:15 AM

Do you have beard snoods?

Obviously its easier if people don't have a beard at all, but if they can't shave it then they'll need to wear a snood.



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Posted 05 April 2019 - 10:18 AM

You can buy xxxl beard snoods.

One way or another you have to find a way for them to meet the hygiene requirements. 

It is always better first to explore all possibilities from a company point of view.

 

Good luck.

 

Simon


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Posted 05 April 2019 - 10:47 AM

Religious exception is interesting, though I don't think that can trump food safety requirements.

 

As pHruit and Simon suggested, a snood is the easiest way to address the issue and maintain compliance. Half the guys in my factory wear snoods (and myself occasionally if I'm in a rush in the morning and don't shave!).

 

One operative has an very large beard that isn't held by a standard snood, so we issue him with a balaclava-type snood that covers the whole face except the eyes, a bit like this:

https://www.needlers...ted-bottom.html



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Lorraine BM

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Posted 05 April 2019 - 12:39 PM

Me too. We now issue disposable balaclava beard snoods & our guys are happy.



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SQFconsultant

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Posted 05 April 2019 - 12:44 PM

Yes, a number of times - so you just get snoods and like Znorias said  the full covers - works snappy!


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The Food Scientist

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Posted 05 April 2019 - 02:38 PM

Curious to know what your operation is? Also I guess like everyone said, snoods! 


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majoy

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Posted 05 April 2019 - 03:16 PM

Just an addition, tell your HR to inform potential employees during interview or hiring process of the hair/beard requirement. This may result to less resistance when you ask them to trim or wear balaclava /snoods.


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carine

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Posted 15 April 2019 - 08:31 AM

hi all, thanks for u all vulnerable ideas and comments. 

 

my country here may not easily can get snoob supply, or we might transfer the particular operator to non-food related department to work.



Foodworker

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Posted 16 April 2019 - 07:14 AM

Not a solution, merely a anecdote -

 

Many (many) years ago I was auditing a factory and was confused by everybody wearing various forms of face covering. The operation was not dusty in any way so I queried it.

 

The Factory Manager told me that when they introduced their hygiene rules, there were complaints that by insisting upon beard snoods, some men were being discriminated on religious grounds.

 

His solution was to say that in that case all men must wear beard snoods and before I get the next problem, that will include women as well.

 

No idea how much it cost him, but he stuck to his guns



mile

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Posted 16 April 2019 - 08:45 AM

I agree with Majoy, and prefer to avoid bears in High risk area even with snoods. there is no contradiction between religion and food safety.





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