I work for a small family-owned business as a gen mgr. The nature of business is construction and sales. We have a small construction yard outside. I was told by the owners that because the yard crew keeps tracking dust into the office from outside that a memo needs to go out telling them they are not allowed to come into the office anymore unless it is because they are using the restroom or are asked to come inside. They are not allowed to have lunch in the breakroom (they must eat outside). The memo must also state the breakroom is for office staff only. I do not agree with this. I have a couple problems with this on the morale front:

-it is about 100 degrees outside daily and there is no shade or other provisions to eat lunch (ie tables/chairs/water, etc.).

-sending a message to the employees that they are "too dirty" to eat in the office.

I would like to speak with the owners about this on Monday and give some possible alternatives to banning the yard from the office-are there any laws or regulations I can cite to help my cause?

Thank you!

The law requires you to allow the employees a break and provide a location for this. I agree with you that it is a terrible idea, but the law doesn't require that employees be allowed into the office.

As far as other solutions, perhaps plastic runners over the floors would keep the dirt to a minimum. You might alo provide a way for employees to clean up a bit before coming inside. Is there an outside faucet and doormat or bootcleaner? Those might help.

Alternatively, I'd provide some sort of shade and picnic tables.

I completely understand the same situation happen where I work we have a cement machine which has things very dusty and there is nothing we can do.. :eek:

is it required to have some kind of break room because where i work there isnt anywhere to sit but outside, and its pretty hot. we dont have a designated break room.

It doesn't need to be an actual room. In some settings, that just isn't feasible. A break room is obviously preferable.

Also, whether or not an employer must provide a place for a break is state specific. Not all states have such a law.