4/22/2011 Can We Eat Where We Work?

Does OSHA Prohibit Eating and Drinking in the Workplace?

Question: Does OSHA prohibit eating or drinking any food or beverage in the workplace? Many people have reported that their employer or manager has told them that OSHA rules prohibit having any food or anything to drink where they work.

Answer: The best answer to the question of food and beverages (eating and drinking in the workplace) has to do with the hazards and potential for hazard that this would bring. All OSHA standards require that employers evaluate workplace hazards and determine whether what is required to ensure safety and health of employees.

For example, 29CFR 1910.142 requires that no employee be allowed to have food or beverages in an area where they could be contaminated with toxic or infectious materials. Obviously, it would not be appropriate to eat and drink in proximity to chemicals, such as at pesticide factory in the production area, but employees in an average bank, could (under OSHA) safely drink a coke at their desk.

Summary: OSHA does not have a rule that flatly prohibits workers eating or drinking in the workplace. Each workplace is different and the employer has the responsibility to evaluate the particular hazards and make a reasonable determination.

Since it is up to the employer, here's VSE's stance:

COMPLIANCE PROGRAM FOR HAZARD COMMUNICATION

(HES-101)

11.0 PERSONAL HYGIENE AND WORK PRACTICES

The potential exists for significant chemical exposure due to poor personal hygiene practices. No eating, drinking, application of cosmetics (including lip balm) or smoking is permitted in work areas, or where hazardous chemicals are being used or stored. Eating is allowed only in designated areas (such as an employee lunch room). Workers will remove coveralls and wash their hands, arms and faces prior to eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or smoking.

Dependent upon the type of operations performed at each VSE facility/project, various work practices and personal hygiene activities may be required to ensure employees’ exposures to chemicals is minimized. The appropriate Safety Coordinator is responsible for conducting internal assessments to determine appropriate work practices.