Face Masks at work

[Bushman]

I have an employee who claims to be exempt from waring a face mask, can I insist on them providing proof?

 

[simon field]

Nobody knows.

Why does the employee think they're exempt?

 

[Newchodge]

I have an employee who claims to be exempt from waring a face mask, can I insist on them providing proof?

No.

 

[Bushman]

Nobody knows.

Why does the employee think they're exempt?

Medical grounds, so they claim, but refuse to give more info.

 

[fisicx]

Give them a face shield as an alternative. Problem solved

Local shop did this and suddenly all those claiming exemption were now able to wear a mask

 

[simon field]

^^^ That ^^^

 

[Bushman]

Give them a face shield as an alternative. Problem solved

Local shop did this and suddenly all those claiming exemption were now able to wear a mask

That sounds like a good idea, are there any circumstances where they could claim to be exempt from wearing a shield?

 

[Bushman]

No.

That's what I thought.

But I'm sure if I let them get away with it, other staff members will suddenly make the same claim.

 

[Newchodge]

That sounds like a good idea, are there any circumstances where they could claim to be exempt from wearing a shield?

What kind of business are you running? Why do you want your employees to wear a face mask? Have you put proper Covid-proof adjustments in place?

 

[simon field]

There’s absolutely no reason whatsoever that an employee can’t wear a face shield.

In fact, if it’s difficult for your employees to socially distance at work and a covering is required, surely the duty of care to other employees would trump any awkward sod playing up?

 

[Bushman]

What kind of business are you running? Why do you want your employees to wear a face mask? Have you put proper Covid-proof adjustments in place?

It's a warehouse environment, all adjustments have been made and everyone has their own well separated work area. However some movement around is required and this is where we are having a problem, some employees don't seem to be willing to keep a safe distance.

I have therefore told them that if they don't keep a distance I will insist on them all wearing masks, and they haven't responded well to that.

 

[Newchodge]

It's a warehouse environment, all adjustments have been made and everyone has their own well separated work area. However some movement around is required and this is where we are having a problem, some employees don't seem to be willing to keep a safe distance.

I have therefore told them that if they don't keep a distance I will insist on them all wearing masks, and they haven't responded well to that.

I think you need to deal with the social distancing problem. Explain that, under health and safety regulations, breaching the social distancing requirement is a breach and will be treated as a disciplinary matter. First offence, formal warning, esacalating to dismissal for those who cannot understand a very basic, very important rule. And follow through!

 

[Bushman]

I think you need to deal with the social distancing problem. Explain that, under health and safety regulations, breaching the social distancing requirement is a breach and will be treated as a disciplinary matter. First offence, formal warning, esacalating to dismissal for those who cannot understand a very basic, very important rule. And follow through!

Yes, that's the route I have gone down. I was just wondering if I could insist on proof of them being exempt from face masks. But as suggested above I think the Visor option should do the trick.

 

[Newchodge]

Yes, that's the route I have gone down. I was just wondering if I could insist on proof of them being exempt from face masks. But as suggested above I think the Visor option should do the trick.

$Requiring they wear masks/visors is not, actually, going down the disciplinary route!

 

[Mr D]

Yes, that's the route I have gone down. I was just wondering if I could insist on proof of them being exempt from face masks. But as suggested above I think the Visor option should do the trick.

There are places requiring proof. Trouble is the people who can provide proof are somewhat busy at the moment. What with a pandemic and all...
Consultants dealing with breathing issues will be busy enough without having to decide that Mr Blogs can or cannot wear a face mask....

 

[Bushman]

$Requiring they wear masks/visors is not, actually, going down the disciplinary route!

What i meant was that I have told them it would be a disciplinary matter if they don't keep their distance. But the visor option may be an alternative.

 

[Newchodge]

What i meant was that I have told them it would be a disciplinary matter if they don't keep their distance. But the visor option may be an alternative.

I would recommend trying to keep to a single message. If social distancing is possible and is being ignored, it should follow a path through to disciplinary. Visors are not a good alternative as they actually do very little to preb=vent the spread of infection.

 

[paulears]

I don't think you can cite the Health and Safety regulations on this one, because they contain nothing about Covid-19. The new Coronavirus Act does, but our traditional H&S legislation doesn't really work because it's framed for evidenced and identified risks.

 

[Newchodge]

I don't think you can cite the Health and Safety regulations on this one, because they contain nothing about Covid-19. The new Coronavirus Act does, but our traditional H&S legislation doesn't really work because it's framed for evidenced and identified risks.

I don't think they need to mention Covid 19. An employer is required to provide a healthy and safe workplace. IF social distancing is required in order to do that (and health and safety advice is that it is needed) you have the link.

 

[Naheed Mir]

How can he claim that he is exempt from wearing a face mask?
You must have to ask for proof.
All employees have to wear a mask and follow social distancing.
A few of them are exempted, so it is better to ask for proof.

 

[Newchodge]

How can he claim that he is exempt from wearing a face mask?
You must have to ask for proof.
All employees have to wear a mask and follow social distancing.
A few of them are exempted, so it is better to ask for proof.

Someone may be exempt because they have been a victim of a serious sexual assault, resulting in face covering causing major psychological damage. Are you seriously suggecting that a rape victim is required to tell their employer of this ? Really?

 

[Newchodge]

How can he claim that he is exempt from wearing a face mask?
You must have to ask for proof.
All employees have to wear a mask and follow social distancing.
A few of them are exempted, so it is better to ask for proof.

What makes you believe that the employee is a man?

 

[Newchodge]

All employees have to wear a mask and follow social distancing.

In which country?

 

[simon field]

@Naheed Mir won’t answer, he/she just keeps posting random statements on various threads...

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

What makes you believe that the employee is a man?

Agreed, more likely to be a woman

(I'll get me coat)

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

When you have Dr Hilary on Good Morning Britain casting doubt on the effectiveness of masks it's no wonder some folk kick back.

 

[Mr D]

How can he claim that he is exempt from wearing a face mask?
You must have to ask for proof.
All employees have to wear a mask and follow social distancing.
A few of them are exempted, so it is better to ask for proof.

They say 'I am exempt from wearing a face mask'.

Simple really.

Most employers are not going to be qualified to have an opinion on the matter.

 

[Lanacosmo]

How can he claim that he is exempt from wearing a face mask?
You must have to ask for proof.
All employees have to wear a mask and follow social distancing.
A few of them are exempted, so it is better to ask for proof.

If employee said he or she is exempt under the Government Legislation Exemptions from wearing a face covering of any type, employer can not insist on asking for a proof.

Employees legally under NO obligation to disclose their private medical issues or provide proof in anyway of their exemption, as per the Data Protection Act 2018.

In accordance of Section 6 of the 2010 Equality act; employees are protected against unlawful discrimination by their employer because of their disability pr medical exemption. Under the act, they have a duty of care to make reasonable adjustments for any individual who is at a substantial disadvantage due to their (hidden) disability.