I'm a customer service rep for a national commercial printer. Last week, corporate informed us that if we walk thru the "manufacturing" area we cannot wear watches or rings, (bracelets, necklaces, earrings over 1") and our hair must be confined.

I understand the reasons why they've "enacted" this rule. Now, here's my question. I am not employed as a manufacturing employee. I'm a clerk. I do not get any closer than 3' to any running machine. (Corporate says the plant is too small to paint "safe zone" walkways.) I could understand the "no jewelry" rule if I was a manufacturing emoloyee - but I'm NOT. Does corporate have the legal right to tell me that I cannot wear a watch or a ring if my job description does not include the act of (me, personally) running machinery?

We're a safe plant - we've not had a lost time accident in over 700 days. (All OSHA required guards are in place, and we have a safety inspector in plant.) Last year, we all had to buy steel-toed shoes to walk thru the plant. (I understand the reasons for this ruling, as well, and have complied.)

I sit in front of a computer and write up job tickets most of the day. If I walk thru the plant, it's to check on a job, answer a question or to go to the shipping department. The most dangerous thing I've come up against is a pallet lift driver not paying attention. (Even the steel-toed shoes couldn't save me from that injury.)

Again, I understand the reasoning behind it the new "no jewelry" rule, but....can I fight this legally?

Thanks!

Short answer, No. On an aside I don't understand why people must be dressed to the nines for work. It isn't like you are on a date. I work with a girl who wears more jewelry than Mr. T and gallons of perfume, makeup you could scrape off with a knife, and to top it all off refuses to button the top button on her uniform shirts. We actually have fraternization rules, and the department of health prohibits us from dating anyone who is or has ever been a patient, I just don't get it.

Agreed, no.

If your normal daily movement includes physical proximity to the running machinery, you are required to follow the same rules as those operating the machine.

This may even be an OSHA requirement... so there wouldn't be anyone to sue since it is regulation.