Turban-wearing Sikhs are exempt from the need to wear head protection in the workplace

This is sure to be a question that arises on site quite often: Are turban-wearing Sikhs exempt from the need to wear head protection in the workplace?

The answer, thanks to the HSE, is "yes."

The Employment Act 1989 was amended by Section 6 of the Deregulation Act 2015 exempting turban-wearing Sikhs from any legal requirement to wear head protection at a workplace. There are a few exceptions, for example, in a situation where head protection is absolutely essential such as a fire fighter entering a burning building. Beyond the head protection exemption, Sikhs must wear all other required protective equipment.

For more details, visit the HSE website.