Can employees eat food in their work area?

OSHA states at 1910.141(g)(2) that, “No employee shall be allowed to consume food or beverages in a toilet room nor in any area exposed to a toxic material.”

If a work area contains toxic materials, then OSHA specifically prohibits consumption of food in such areas. OSHA’s definition of “toxic material” is located at 1910.141(a)(2), which says that toxic material means “a material in concentration or amount which exceeds the applicable limit established by a standard, such as 1910.1000 and 1910.1001 or, in the absence of an applicable standard, which is of such toxicity so as to constitute a recognized hazard that is causing or is likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”

Aside from the issue of toxic materials, many other questions arise when dealing with food in the workplace. If employees are working around moving parts, would eating or drinking cause a distraction that could be dangerous to themselves or other workers? Could spills or garbage cause slip hazards? It is best to take a practical approach when considering the issue. Also consider:

• Liquids around electrical equipment,
• Pest and vermin attraction,
• Lack of a suitable eating area,
• Company safety and health policies, and
• Machine interference.

Ultimately, an employer must determine – based on the specific work operation – whether or not to allow food and drink in work areas that do not fall under the requirement described in 1910.141(g)(2).