Respiratory protection against COVID-19 for employees with religiously mandated facial hair

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 16, 2021

Ms. Amrith Kaur Aakre
Legal Director
The Sikh Coalition
50 Broad Street, Suite 504
New York, NY 10004

Dear Ms. Kaur Aakre,

OSHA's decision not to provide a religious exemption from the respirator standard.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 5, 2011

[Withheld]
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund
1413 K Street, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20005

Dear [Withheld]:

Thank you for meeting with us on March 15, 2011, to discuss clarification on exemptions from OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, due to the Sikh religious ban on removing facial hair.