Face Mask Dilemma at Work: Can I Enforce Strict Measures for Non-Compliance?

Hi everyone, I am the HR Admin of a healthcare company. In our company, no one is wearing a face mask, including the management. I have told them many times and sent warning emails, but to no avail. Can I take strict action against those who are not wearing face masks?

Dear Colleague,

In most public places, wearing a mask is compulsory, and not wearing a mask invites a fine. It is similar to wearing a helmet, where we often find people not taking it seriously. Similarly, with masks, people are not showing seriousness. You cannot fight this alone, and you may end up feeling frustrated. This situation has occurred in many organizations. Therefore, my suggestion is as follows:

- Formulate a clear Reward and Reprimand Policy for Mask Wearing, especially in a Health Care setting.
- Define in the policy: a first-time warning, a second-time fine, a third-time half-day deduction of pay, a fourth-time full-day deduction of pay, and finally, no entry if without a mask. If someone behaves inappropriately, then disciplinary action should be taken.
- Ensure the participation of your top management, as well as all Heads of Departments/Managers, in implementing the policy.
- Clearly communicate the policy to everyone.
- Start enforcing the policy from a specified date.

Thank you.

Assessing the Enforcement of Face Mask Rules

If your senior management is ignoring the rule, then there is little chance you will be able to do anything about this. You need to see whether the Disaster Management Act is still in force in your area (meaning the notification requiring the use of face masks is not revoked or has not lapsed). Only then can you take action against them. The only other case where you can do so is when there is an internal requirement notified in the Employee Handbook, the Certified Standing Orders, or the Safety Procedure issued by the safety committee or the Medical Officer.

Again, in spite of that, without management support, you are just wasting your time.

State SOPs and Workplace Mask Policies

Most states have not lifted SOPs notified under the DMA. Occasionally, Section 144 is reintroduced with some relaxation. Likewise, in workplaces, these instructions shall apply. However, fines are considered soft options. At the entrance, the compulsory implementation of wearing masks should be enforced. If employees report without masks, masks should be issued at the gate at their cost.