r/mildlyinfuriating • u/Melody_39 • 13h ago
ಠ_ಠ I’m not allowed to drink water while I’m on the store floor
Last night, the new assistant store manager told me that he is implementing a new rule in which grocery workers can not have their water bottles out on the store floor while facing or putting out freight. We can only drink our water while in the back or on our breaks.
The reason? He is concerned that it would be a health and safety risk in case the bottle would break and a customer would slip and fall on the water. I suppose this would occur during the time we would go and get supplies to clean up the spill? This concern has never been brought up before within the five years I’ve been working at this grocery store chain.
I still have a lingering cough from a cold I had a few weeks ago. I told him that I have to hydrate frequently. He said that reason doesn’t matter.
We also sell water bottles and can move them around freely but we can’t have our own reusable water bottles.
He could be spending better time and resources that managing when and where people can drink water.
88
u/idrink2muchman 13h ago
I would say well then don't get pissed when I head to the back more often just to drink water.
197
u/ShinePretend3772 13h ago
Imagine thinking you have enough power to force someone to stop drinking water. I would put it in the back as requested, but go get a drink like every 10 minutes.
Personally I get super thirsty throughout the day & there’s not a chance in hell that I’m not going to have a drink. It’s fucking water.
46
u/ranchspidey 12h ago
Yeah I work in a courtroom but I bring my 40 oz tumbler because carrying around a shitton of water is the only way I remember to stay hydrated. If I can have my huge water bottle in court it shouldn’t be a big deal for retail/customer service workers to have it in a regular store. It’s ridiculous that so many workplaces think it’s appropriate to restrict water access!
25
u/Electrical-Apple-631 10h ago
I only have one kidney so I drink about 2 liters of water a day to keep hydrated. Luckily my part time job at a convenience store has the perk of free coffee and soft drinks for employees on duty as long as the cups are kept out of the customers view. My boss loves me because I only drink water and it doesn’t cost the company anything.
29
u/Itchy_Tumbleweed_417 13h ago
Yeah I actually sip on water all day long. I take medication that gives me dry mouth and I would have a hard time talking to customers if I could only drink water on my break. Plus I would probably trigger a migraine that would make me have to leave work.
But I don’t take jobs where I’m not allowed to have water because I know I couldn’t function like that.
18
u/quagmirranseye 13h ago
I take medication that gives me dry mouth
Same , it dont dry out to the point its impedes my speech but dry mouth will absolutely fuck up your teeth. I carry a water bottle with me at all times...
•
u/Wildcandle55 42m ago
I am a big water drinker too, medication, etc. There is also a product called Biotene that you can swish around in your mouth, spit out, and it really helps with dry mouth.
Restricting water...good grief.
-3
u/Just_another_gamer3 WHAT is THAT? 8h ago
I feel like you should get an ADA exception
24
u/AMDKilla 7h ago
You shouldn't need a damn ADA exception to drink water...
8
u/ShinePretend3772 6h ago
This right here. Aside from oxygen it’s probably the most important thing we need to live. You can go a cpl weeks without food. A few days without water it’s a wrap.
43
u/No_Lynx1343 13h ago
Asking if you can bring a thermos or something like that. It isn't breakable.
If they still say no, it's not about the possibility of broken containers spilling water as a safety concern.
18
u/spitfire07 10h ago
I like when people talk about liability this or that who clearly don't know shit about liability. It's a grocery store, aren't there shelves of things that could break and hurt a customer?!
97
u/Rub-it 12h ago
In my State it’s illegal to deny employees water, if he doesn’t want you to have water on the floor it’s time to start taking lots of water breaks
-61
u/couchpro34 10h ago
No one is being denied water.
→ More replies (7)45
u/Pernicious_Possum 10h ago
No one said they were. If OP can’t have water where they work, then they will require many water breaks, and dipshit manager can’t stop them
→ More replies (2)-53
u/HowlingWolven 10h ago
OP isn’t being denied water. OP is being denied a container to carry their water and work more efficiently while hydrating frequently.
37
u/Rub-it 9h ago
So in other words the right to drink water at anytime which is the same as denying
23
u/Max____H 9h ago
I’m struggling between it being bots or masochists flooding this post with “how dare you want constant access to water”. Like people are so offended that workers don’t want to accept bullshit rules from their supervisor overlords. I’m not arguing law, necessity, or any of the other reasons anyone is giving. This supervisor is doing it because he thinks it doesn’t look “professional” and he wants to throw his weight around.
→ More replies (18)6
91
u/Appropriate_Swing305 13h ago
If you live in the USA that’s a violation of OSHA standards to not have access to drinking water at all times.
So either you get to keep water on the floor or you are allowed to go to where the water is kept at any time and not just breaks. He can limit where you drink water but when or how often.
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1915/1915.88
9
u/Fit_Entry8839 12h ago
OP said they can drink it in the back. While I've done stock jobs never been told you cant go to the back. Because thats where the stock is lol
14
u/Rub-it 12h ago
Yeah the times am accessing stock and drinking water at the back would be different trips
-7
u/Fit_Entry8839 12h ago
Why make them different? Presumably you're going back every 20-30 minutes? A water break every 20-30 minutes isn't enough? Or are you just being silly to be silly? I never carried a water bottle when I worked retail, just went to the water fountain or water cooler when I was in the back.
14
u/Rub-it 9h ago
Because malicious compliance… when I am accessing stock does not necessarily mean am thirsty at the same time
→ More replies (2)9
u/No-Picture4119 12h ago
I wonder about that. I’ve worked an office job for 38 years and before that I worked in auto repair. It’s not abnormal to sit at my desk working for a couple hours, then go get water and coffee in the break room. I feel like people go way too hard on water access.
9
u/bitchsorbet 8h ago
some people get dehydrated faster/slower than others, but for the average person its super dehumanizing to not be allowed water while working. the only job ive had where we had to keep water in the back was fast food, but that was only to prevent contamination.
0
u/No-Picture4119 8h ago
They are allowed to have water while working, just not on the floor. And we’re all assuming this is just a grocery. I may be a deli as well. Nobody has any common sense. If you’re thirsty go get a drink. I’m not anti water bottle, I’m anti thinking that every damn minor detail in your life is worthy of outrage. If you’re thirstier than someone else and you’re a good worker nobody cares. But if you’re the kind of person who is complaining about keeping your water bottle in the break room, you probably also aren’t a real mover and shaker either.
-5
u/LetsJerkCircular 10h ago
It’s a curiosity for me too. I’ve seen these personal water jugs being a combination of (1) like a security blanket, (2) a petty entitlement, and worst yet (3) an excuse to put their mouth on something and moan during a conversation.
People need to be honest with themselves if they’re just trying to find little ways of avoiding work, especially if others are picking up their slack.
0
28
u/vegetajm 10h ago
Karen walked by...
Saw a employee gulping down water, gave her the "ick"
Complained... now you have a policy
Happens all the time
18
u/ProperCaregiver3845 9h ago
I have a friend who has to wear long sleeves at a blood center because someone emailed that they weren't comfortable having blood drawn by someone with tattoos. The tendency to bend over for irrational customer complaints is infuriating
18
u/HoundTakesABitch 8h ago
I used to work for Sheetz and they always make a huge deal out of inclusiveness and pride and about two years ago they offered the opportunity to buy a pride themed shirt. When we got it, we were immediately told that it was not a valid option on casual Friday and could only be worn to the pride events (which literally only upper management get to go to) because it could offend someone. To me, offering a shirt to be inclusive and then telling us we couldn’t wear it is more offensive than anything.
6
1
12
u/stephenmg1284 13h ago
Of all the things that come in glass jars, they are concerned about a plastic or metal water bottle?
8
u/JMuss117 12h ago
Malicious compliance is your friend in this situation. Obey his new rule, but have everybody at planned intervals go to the back to drink water and slowly return to your work.
8
u/Fit_Cucumber_709 10h ago
Time for malicious compliance. Go to the back for a water break every 5 minutes.
5
u/TalkToHoro 13h ago
Something like this, or a Camelback or similar. Wear your water and F that guy!
2
11
u/Joelle9879 9h ago
Just all start going to the back every half an hour to get a drink. When he complains explain that he legally can't prevent you from drinking water when needed. He can either allow water bottles with lids on the floor or he can deal with people constantly heading to the back to grab a drink
2
5
u/daditsmyredditname 11h ago
I had this happen at work and school around 20 years ago. I was taking a strong medication and had to drink tons of water the whole time. I went and got my Dr too write me a note and never had any problems after that.
6
u/ThatCJGuy431 8h ago
The difference here is, people in management today are a lot more stupid and a lot less willing to concede their pride over things as ‘trivial’(/s) as a doctor’s note when compared with mangers 20 years ago lol
13
u/FSFreakman21 6h ago
I don’t know the laws but this feels illegal to me.
→ More replies (16)14
u/LostExile7555 RED 6h ago
If they are in the USA, OSHA regulations allow employers to prohibit drink water in specific areas, by the employee has to have free and unrestricted access to drinkable water. So the manager is allowed to restrict the water consumption to the back room, but he is not allowed to restrict it to breaks only. The malicious compliance option to to go to the back room and drink water frequently.
5
6
u/rojoshow13 13h ago
Sounds like a good excuse for malicious compliance. Every time you want a drink, stop what you're doing and walk into the back and take your drink. You wouldn't have so much down time if you let me have my water with me boss.
3
u/Mystic_Wunder 11h ago
Can you just use a plastic bottle with a cap?
2
u/Melody_39 10h ago
When he told him he did not mention any bottles we could use as exceptions to the rule
3
3
5
u/Lurkesalot 7h ago
You should get a camel back. That is definitely a loophole. Can’t spill a backpack with a straw can ya.
7
u/Development-Feisty 6h ago
No problem, send an email to him saying you want to confirm in writing what he told you last night and then when he emails you either yes this is what I said or no of course not it’s solved
If he says yes this is what I said, you send it directly to the state employment development department and report them or if he says no he won’t enforce it. If he tries to enforce it state loudly enough that your coworkers can hear your email said this wasn’t what you wanted, can you please send me an email telling me what you want I don’t understand and I’m getting conflicting information from you
The biggest thing to do is pretend to be stupid as fuck
These are what you
Sweetest pie
Stupid as fuck
Helpful in all the wrong ways
“Oh my gosh I thought you wanted me to write an email about our conversation so that you knew that I was on the same page as you…”
8
u/Ambitious_Hand_2861 6h ago
Get a belt holster and write "for medicinal use" on it, profit. No one can ask you about it bc that violates HIPAA.
3
u/ProperAnarchist 3h ago
Axiomatically false. They can ask for an ADA accommodation but that will require letters from a drs and can easily be rejected.
1
u/rbyteme 3h ago
This is something for OSHA, not HIPAA.
Also, might want to read up on HIPAA. The moment you sign that form acknowledging your rights under it, you're actually giving the medical provider permission to share your information with any other medical provider they see fit. Read the fine print. Lots of loopholes there.
6
u/brokenwindshield1234 3h ago
RN here, that is absolutely not how HIPAA works. We are only allowed to share personal health info (PHI) with someone directly involved in your care or billing. Even then, we can only share the minimum amount of info they need to complete their task. For example, me telling an xray tech about your STI is a HIPAA violation because they do not need to know that to complete an xray.
0
u/Absolute_Bob 2h ago
Yeah that's your facility policy, the waivers are generally quite broad and compliant with HIPAA. Don't confuse the times you have to follow with the rules your EHR provider has to follow. They should be the same but in practical application they are not.
2
u/TooOld4This0157 12h ago
I clean in a nursing home and cannot have a drink on my cart or in the supply closet. Chemical transfer, transfer from dirty mops/cloths. I have to wait until my break for fluids.
5
u/Spiritual_Ad8626 9h ago
Get a letter of medical necessity from your physician.
8
u/lionhat 8h ago
Water is medically necessary for every living being on earth, yet we’re the only species that requires a doctor note to prove it.
0
5
u/BabaYagaOnBoard 4h ago
Yeah no. I have chronic dehydration due to health issues. I have to sip water literally every few minutes. If this was enforced on me, I would go to the backroom roughly every 3-5 minutes and there's not a damn thing they could do about it. When shopping myself, I have never even thought twice about employees drinking water, or having their bottles on the floor or with them at registers. It's normal. Especially with how dry the air is in most buildings. Even in doctors offices, schools, courtrooms etc, they all have coffee or water with them all the time, even lawyers and judges.
This rule in a grocery store is nothing more than some ego based irrational power trip or something. If they want to lose working production time, fine, go to the back as often as you need. It's no different than them trying to deny restroom usage when needed. It's ridiculous.
5
u/Feeling-Invite7953 12h ago
NTA. Carry a flask in your back pocket. When no customers are in your lane,take it out and sip,then cap it and return it to your pocket. Middle management is just flexing their muscles to look good for their corporate overlords.
7
u/Educational-Ant8787 10h ago
Employee seen drinking out of a flask at work would be way more of an issue 😂
2
u/Gold-Kaleidoscope537 6h ago
Maybe borrow a hydration backpack with straw just to see the look on his face
9
u/Lukexxxi 13h ago
I've worked in grocery retail for 20+ years and I don't think I've every had a water bottle with me on the shop floor. It's always out the back.
I don't think it's been a rule. It just seems simplest.
5
u/Joelle9879 9h ago
Going to the back constantly to get a drink seems better than just keeping a water bottle with you? How exactly?
1
u/Lukexxxi 3h ago
I probably go between the stockroom and the shop floor 50 times a day. It's easier to grab a drink when I'm doing that than carrying a bottle with me everywhere I go.
3
u/Bad-Luck-Guy 8h ago
Store my mother worked in had the same policy. She got so dehydrated she fell and ended up with a broken eye socket and a brain bleed.
3
u/Generally_Tso_Tso 3h ago
He's an assistant manager. You work at a grocery store. Ignore him. When he threatens to "write you up", take the longest pull from your water bottle that you've ever taken, and maintain eye contact while doing so.
If he "writes you up", definitely don't shit on the hood of his car.
Asst. Mgr. Pffft.
2
u/honeychub 11h ago
I used to work at a movie theater, we weren't allowed to drink water or sit down in front of customers "because it looked unprofessional" 😊
1
u/numbersev 13h ago
I see nothing wrong with that policy..it's not like you can't go to the back for a drink of water. That would probably be illegal to prevent. But having it out on the floor just doesn't seem proper in a grocery store.
19
u/Gyozarrita 13h ago
You get written up for leaving your station at the grocery store though so
4
u/Appropriate_Swing305 13h ago
Against OSHA rules and regulations. Employee must have access to adequate water. If he doesn’t allow you to have at station then legally you are allowed to go get water when you need a drink. Just cite the law.
I am petty and don’t care if I get in trouble at jobs for pointing out my rights.
4
9
16
u/Itchy_Tumbleweed_417 13h ago
Have you ever been inside a grocery store? It’s extremely impractical to expect anyone out in the store to walk all the way back to the break room just to take a couple sips of water and then go all the way back out to where they were. Then when they need water again to go all the way back to the break room.
7
u/FranticWaffleMaker 13h ago
Carrying a water bottle everywhere is still a fairly new practice, people worked for plenty of years walking to a drinking fountain.
3
u/Joelle9879 9h ago
Yeah and the water bottles were invented because people realized it was stupid to constantly go back and forth
1
u/FranticWaffleMaker 9h ago
We also created storage because we know it’s not appropriate to have everything with us at all times.
5
u/Joubachi 13h ago
People also for quite some time lived without electricity, medicine, toilets, and so on.... doesn't mean we should go back to those times just because people "used to be doing that for years".
1
u/Children_Of_Atom 2h ago
I love spending time away electricity and plumbing. I would not love doing so without a modern method of carrying water.
6
-7
u/JustPlayDaGame 13h ago
people had slaves for plenty of years before they were liberated, too.
2
u/FranticWaffleMaker 13h ago
Did you seriously just compare walking to a drinking fountain to slavery?
-1
u/JustPlayDaGame 13h ago
yes. it’s an extreme example to show why “because it’s always been that way” is a braindead argument. Change is often necessary.
1
u/FranticWaffleMaker 13h ago
You’re seriously doubling down on comparing millennia of mistreatment and human suffering to walking 50 feet for a drink of water while being adequately paid in a temperature controlled building with safe and sanitary working conditions?
-1
u/JustPlayDaGame 12h ago
you’re strawmanning. You’re pointing out the comparison and not the point. The point is, a worker having a water bottle does not impact their work performance. If anything, having mobile access to water improves it by cutting down on unnecessary movement between tasks. The fact that all you can focus on is that proves you don’t actually want to engage in the discussion at hand. Also, 50 feet? It’s probably a 3 minute commute in any super center to the break room. so 2-3 there and back, every time they want water, adds up to a lot of extra work time. You seem like a poorly adjusted, hustle culture wacko, so maybe this concept of lost revenue for the company you’ll be able to sympathize with.
-1
u/FranticWaffleMaker 12h ago
You went from accusing me of strawmanning to dropping in a super center that was never mentioned pretty fast. They admitted to having a lingering cough from an illness, how do you think it looks from a guest perspective when they’re hacking a drink from a bottle just to set it on a shelf with food? Maybe they can leave it in the floor as a trip or spill hazard? Is it sanitary to be moving around there bottle that’s been who knows where while stocking meat then carrying that same bottle they’ve been handling along with meat packages to stock apples? And not any less productive? They literally have one hand when carrying a personal water bottle.
-1
u/No-Picture4119 12h ago
The manager gave a valid reason why they don’t want water bottles on the floor. They didn’t say it was about employee performance. It’s a volunteer army. If OP thinks it makes their job suck, they can go somewhere else. Buncha water babies. If you’re thirsty get a drink in the back. Everyone’s like, eeew I would go every ten minutes. Get a grip.
I know I sound like drunk uncle but man, come on. It’s called work for a reason.
6
u/numbersev 13h ago
No I've never seen an inside of a grocery store. I have had groceries delivered via drone since infancy.
6
-2
u/Working_Rest_1054 13h ago
I have been in a grocery store once or twice. In fact, I worked in one for a bit. It was more than a few decades ago and somehow, with not a single employee carrying a water bottle around with them, work was accomplished without anyone becoming incapacitated.
Sure it’s handy to have a drink nearby, but it’s more recent that it was tolerated in the work place.
0
u/messy372- 13h ago
But that’s what needs to happen bc if the stupid policy. When employees aren’t doing their job bc they’re thirsty and have to go to the back every 20 minutes to grab a drink that policy will change real quick. Then when they tell you that you can’t go get a drink that’s when you call HR and have a conversation
•
u/andmoore27 16m ago
If you have to have a drink every twenty minutes you are sick and should stay at home.
1
u/No-Picture4119 12h ago
Or the just fire you. HR is just going to label you a troublemaker. Kids. HR isn’t for you it’s to protect the company.
-1
u/Appropriate_Swing305 13h ago edited 9h ago
Malicious Compliance. Leave the floor to get water often enough, they will start allowing the water bottles on the floor
Edited to add: this is assuming the employee was told they can only go to the back on break to get water like when working a register. That is not providing free access to water because it is limited to breaks only.
1
u/No-Picture4119 11h ago
Or they will fire you. Not being a dick but companies aren’t exactly hurting for candidates. And you’re going to die on the water hill?
1
u/Appropriate_Swing305 11h ago
For me, yes. But I worked in different safety areas and I take safety seriously.
Alternate malicious compliance for those willing to take less risk, ask for the water bottle policy in writing and send to OSHA as a whistleblower.
1
u/No-Picture4119 11h ago
I’m confused by your comment. You say you’re in a safety focused position. So because the manager is preventing water on the floor in the name of safety, you would agree with that policy, no.
And for heaven’s sake if you go in the back and get water reasonably, nobody is going to care. But if you’re all like, screw the man I’ve got news. The man is going to screw you because he can find plenty of people to take your place. You can come in with the wrong color shoes and get fired. You’re eventually going to be late one day and you’ll get fired. Work with the manager. You’re replaceable.
As far as making a complaint to OSHA, they will by all means take it seriously. They will read the policy that says for safety reasons water is to be consumed in the back. Everyone always runs their mouth about OSHA. If you read the rule, it says employees must have access to potable drinking water and cannot be charged for it. OSHA specifically states that water breaks can’t be substituted for access to water, but allows restrictions regarding where the water can be consumed. The manager stated water on the floor poses a safety risk. The only violation with respect to OSHA would be limiting employee access. That’s not being done. The manager said go in the back and get a drink if you’re thirsty. That said, if you start taking water breaks every ten minutes, you aren’t getting fired over water breaks. But you are getting fired. What you aren’t getting is the manager saying hey everyone, I’m a donkey and I was wrong.
Try and unite your fellow employees. See if they will walk with you over water bottles. I can guarantee there’s enough of them that need the $20 an hour and aren’t getting fired over silliness.
4
1
u/Joelle9879 9h ago
Doesn't seems proper? WTF? You think it makes more sense to have people walking from the back all day just to get a drink? Think of how much productivity is lost from all that walking
3
u/Lurkesalot 7h ago
That’s the rule in most places that serve food. Don’t see why it wouldn’t be that way in a place that sells it.
Try working on grill during lunch or dinner rush with a manager that actually enforces the rule. It sucks but the logic behind the rule is solid.
-1
1
u/Goddess_of_Stuff 3h ago
This was one (but far from the only) reason I only worked one shift at target. Management was kind enough to let me work a tryout shift before I went through the whole training because they were trying to poach me from me from my job in the same shopping center.
I often have a slight cough. My throat gets scratchy and dry pretty regularly. Dust, allergies, I haven't quit smoking yet... I brought a small water bottle, like a generic 500ml bottle you get in the 24-packs. Anyway, they said I couldn't have it at the register and I'd have to wait for my break.
My entire shift was filled with people asking if I was ok after every slight cough (Oct 2020, so covid). I was still wearing a mask.
I decided not to leave the job I'd been at for 8 years, despite a $2/hr pay increase. Other reasons were the seniority I had at my first job, official full-time status, and the freedom to be wherever I was needed, rather than chained to the register. I also hated the idea that I'd probably never even meet half of my coworkers. My store had 20 employees at the most. Target had well over 100. Also, my cool regulars.
1
1
1
u/OffbeatBat 2h ago
Do you have a dress code? If not, buy a couple of hoodie flasks. The draw strings are straws. Lol
1
u/Inevitable_Professor 2h ago
I worked in a warehouse that tried something like this. There were only two drinking fountains in the entire building and they were not readily accessible. Within a few days of the water bottle ban, management rescinded the order with a passive aggressive request that employees bring concerns to management before calling OSHA.
1
u/M0rtimerDuke 2h ago edited 2h ago
WTAF.
"You absolutely MUST put all of your bodily functions and processes on hold while you're on the clock. We aren't paying you to poop, pee, blow your nose, drink water, none of that-- or you'll be fired!" ~~said no competent manager ever
I bet their turnover is HIGH. smh
Edit: I was a stocker once in high school. My mgr and his other "lifer" EE all knew their aisles like the back of their hand, so they could 'throw' more cases than me. That asshole kept moving me from aisle to aisle so I never was on one aisle long enough to memorize where everything was, so I'd be carrying a case of cans or whatever back and forth up and down the aisle trying to find where it went. The baby food aisle with all of the little jars was the WORST. Like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles, not even a haystack. Then he'd get on to me for not being fast enough. Only did that for maybe 2 months and just quit, no notice period given.
1
•
u/Fjordikus 54m ago
Call OSHA on them and tell them they’re refusing to let you stay hydrated, they’ll get rid of the rule fast.
•
•
u/HarleyQuinn6695 6m ago
I’m sorry, what does he mean “break and cause an accident?”
Most water bottles people have today aren’t glass?!
1
3
u/PrimeParadigm53 13h ago
I guess I'm old cuz this seems like a small and reasonable ask for a non- zero reduction in harm. Like... sincerely... how hard is it to keep your water bottle in the back? With the exception of cashiers who could conceivably go hours without 90 seconds to walk to the back (but even then, generally won't) ... what's the actual problem?
4
u/aerkith 6h ago
I worked in a supermarket for ten years and that's what we did. It's a non issue. People here acting like you need to drink water every five minutes or you'll dehydrate. You're usually going back and forth to the stock room anyway. Maybe instead of a small sip every five minutes they could take several large gulps every thirty minutes.
1
u/myxomatosis8 4h ago
We call my kids porpoises. Like if they don't have a water bottle on their person they'll get desiccated and die.
1
u/ThePetalsOfPurgatory 11h ago
That harm has neeeeeever happened. Manager is just power tripping. And if a bottle did spill, you just get a colleague to stand by the spill while you get a cloth. Spills happen all the time in a supermarket, they're very equipped to deal with it.
-2
-2
u/Darkgamer000 12h ago
It’s very much a more recent trend that people are carrying around their 32oz steel drinking containers (because they are ‘trendy’) and people don’t seem to remember the time before we had them attached to the hip. These policies are more directed toward those.
-2
u/orphanea 12h ago
I feel like absolute shit when I’m not hydrated. Especially when I’m pregnant. I’m not walking across an entire store that may take 5 mins to walk across to a break room just for a drink of water that would have taken me 30 seconds to drink. So the 30 seconds I took when I could have it with me turns into 10 mins minimum and that’s just fucking stupid.
0
u/Comfortable_Guide622 13h ago
Look shocked, say illl have to check with the medical board that this is legal. Medically I doubt it's enforcible
3
u/Fit_Entry8839 12h ago
It is in fact legal. OP said they can drink it in the back.
-1
u/SayRaySF 5h ago
It’s not that cut and dry lol
Like for example if they’re not allowed to leave the floor except on breaks, that would be illegal.
1
u/Fit_Entry8839 5h ago
Sure, but OP said they are allowed to go in back and drink. So in this situation, it is legal. Stock workers are constantly going to the back. You guys are way over complicating this.
2
-1
u/diescheide 13h ago edited 13h ago
This is generally a standard policy. What he's saying is true, it's a health and safety issue. They may allow a disposable, transparent, screw cap, 16.9 fl oz bottle at most. Never anything larger, opaque, or with a straw/wide mouth.
Management gets in a mood for a second about stuff like this, then gets over it, though.
Y'all really don't understand the difference between explaining a policy and defending it. The policy exists. Most places have it. I don't follow it at my retail job. I have 32oz bottle at all times. Management will enforce it for a few days and back down. Christ, guys...
3
u/thisisamessy 13h ago
You've made so many assumptions a here.
Policy, history, blah blah blah.
It's a water bottle. It's not unsafe. It's convenient.
Can't believe anyone, anywhere, would say you can't have a water bottle in case it drops, spills, and sometime slips.
The same tough guys saying "it's not construction or get over it" should be saying "who cares if they have a water bottle next to them a long as they are doing the job effectively"
Crazy to me this person can't just have water next to them. Such a weird, made up problem.
3
u/diescheide 12h ago
There's no assumptions made about it being policy. I've worked at multiple retailers, it's policy at each one. The Kroger sub has complained about it too.
It is about health and safety. Not just slip and falls. Spilling it on freight and store equipment. It can cause damage. Ecolab would have a fit if OP had a water bottle in a Fresh area. Possible contamination. These policies exist for a reason.
I take no issue with OP having a water bottle at all times. I always have mine with me. My SM is lax on the issue despite policy. Their ASM came in hot. They will get over it in a bit, guaranteed. Minutiae like this almost never sticks.
It's crazy to me that you don't see what I'm getting at. The policy exists because problems have arisen due to water bottles. Doesn't mean I actually think OP shouldn't have one.
1
1
u/Joelle9879 9h ago
And I've worked several retailers where it's not a policy. Anecdotal evidence is just that. And all this safety issue stuff is BS. Yeah, it COULD spill. A person could also sweat and drip on a machine. Know what a real safety issue is? Having an employee get dehydrated or overheated because some stupid middle manager is worried that a drop of water may land on the floor
1
u/Joelle9879 9h ago
This is absolutely NOT a health or safety issue. In fact, denying water to employees IS a health issue
3
u/diescheide 6h ago edited 6h ago
Nobody is being denied water. It's available while they're in the back or while they're on break. Even OSHA only requires that water is available on site and potable. Not that it's by your side at all times. Y'all don't know federal regulations, apparently.
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.51
-1
u/Exotic-Day-1082 10h ago
I used to think that we were still capable of the things that our grandparents and great grandparents were during hard times, but I don’t think that we are anymore. When an employee must be connected to his water supply 24/7 it’s just another indicator that our younger generations are weak and spineless.
1
u/Salt_Medicine2459 10h ago
If the smokers can take smoke breaks every 15 minutes, I don't see why you couldn't take water breaks just as often.
1
1
u/ExplanationHungry802 9h ago
Don’t grocery store workers usually have a union? Talk to them, this is a ridiculous rule
1
u/madkins007 8h ago
You quickly learn which managers/supervisors are real, which are idiots/high/nepotism hires, and which are on power trips.
The trick is learning how to manage them without getting fired.
Generally the power trip guy gives up when enforcing the rule is more annoying than it's worth.
For example.. Sorry boss, the dust is bothering my throat, can I get a drink of water? Whew, it's hot. Can I get some water before I collapse?
1
-2
u/Exciting_Pass_6344 13h ago
I don’t mean to sound like a dick, but working in a temperature and humidity controlled environment is radically different than working on a construction site in the summer. I worked in a grocery store for a decade and manufacturing floors for another 27 years. I’ve never been able to have drinks (including water) on the floor. If you’re thirsty, you go get a drink and then get back to work. If you need to go more often because of a cough, so be it.
-3
u/thisisamessy 13h ago
'You've done it that way and it's not outside' is not a great argument.
Let them have water on the floor. It being a safety risk is laughable.
Why do so many people like to make things harder with the reasoning of "it's always been that way."?
1
u/Exciting_Pass_6344 13h ago
I work in electronics manufacturing. Having any water on the floor could absolutely cause problems. Potentially very expensive problems. Possibly deadly problems (space launch). In a grocery store, I can see either way. You’re not going to have a safety issue, but you might leave a bottle or can or whatever on the floor. I can see the new manager wanting to not have to deal with that.
0
u/thisisamessy 12h ago
Yeah, water in electronic manufacturing, ok. But that had NOTHING to do with this conversation.
The manager not "wanting to deal with" is not a valid reason to not let someone have water by them.
Can't believe this is even a debate. Where you have to not having water near exposed electrics somehow equates to stocking groceries with a water bottle.
Insane debate here
-1
u/bigboxes1 13h ago
There's nothing infuriating about this. I work retail. I drink before I go to work and then spend the first half a day constantly going to the bathroom. I then drank water on my lunch break. I'm constantly having to throw away bottles that the night crew leave all over the place and it's annoying as hell. Just drink on your break. You're inside in a climate controlled environment. The only ones that need to have hydration near them are the cart guys. Everyone else can go get a drink when they need it.
3
u/dapperwater 10h ago
Not too mention 100s of jobs you literally cannot have water with you. It might seem petty of management, but it's way more petty to complain about this. Keep seeing "malicious compliance" . Whatever, go for it they likely won't even care it's a grocery store
1
u/chale_44 4h ago
This may be unpopular. But you don't need water every 3 and a half minutes of a shift. I think George Carlin said it best. 'When did we as a country get so thirsty? Get a drink before you leave the house!' This hydration craze is ridiculous. And although I have a suspicion that your new assistant manger is just tired of seeing everybody packing around clunky and obnoxious water bottles, I think I agree with him.
-1
u/Background-Mark2457 13h ago
This is my problem with jobs once someone is taking this thing we call life that serious… I zone out & mentally detach.
This will be a rule that lasts until he / she forgets about it then when they remember again they’ll be on it again.
People are weird especially middle managers.
0
u/EditEd2x 13h ago
Get a camelbak or similar wearable pack. Wear it under your work shirt. Problem solved.
2
u/LiamBellcam 13h ago
Im going to be drinking choco milk straight from my front butt like it's a colostomy bag in front of customers now.
2
u/EditEd2x 13h ago
Youll be going through bladders like crazy. Sugar drinks tend to gunk them up pretty bad. And I can tell you from reusing my shaker bottles a few days in a row when I’m too lazy to clean them after protein shakes that old dairy residue smells like straight farts.
-1
u/LiamBellcam 13h ago
Lol. IRL I watched my homie drink himself to Lactose intolance because of choco milk
0
u/Thanatea 13h ago
Is that even legal?
What about a camelback under your clothes?
2
u/TechOutonyt 11h ago
Yes it’s legal. When you work in food stores or places that serve food this is a legitimate concern
-1
u/drowninginidiots 11h ago
I worked in a department store stocking back before having a water bottle was a thing. During an 8 hour shift you got two breaks and a lunch break. That meant you were typically only about 2 hours between breaks. If I did need a drink other than those times, I just got a drink as I was walking past a drinking fountain or the break room. I have to be one of those people that thinks it’s a bit strange that people can’t go 2 hours, while working indoors, without a drink.
-3
u/InviteSignal5151 5h ago
Grow up -the constant water drinking is a new fad.
I worked for decades and eating or drinking on the floor was absolutely NOT allowed!
0
0
u/Bennington_Booyah 10h ago
Just go get a quick drink of water as needed, and get back to work. The effort required to make this a big deal just brings negative attention to your cause. We had a similar rule about drinks and phones at work. When you needed a moment for either, you let others know and take a few minutes. It wasn't a hardship at all.
-7
u/Bustamonte6 13h ago
C’mon you aren’t doing construction in the middle of a heat wave… you will be ok
4
u/thisisamessy 13h ago
Them surviving vs it being an asinine rule are two different things.
Sure they can survive (not sure why that is the bar) without water next to them. But WHY inconvenience them? Plus having the water next to them is more productive.
It's dumb. And the only argument anyone is even trying to make is "we've always done that" or "you won't die" which are weird hills to die on for a water bottle.
2
u/Bustamonte6 12h ago
Imagine being so parched and dehydrated that you can’t make it from produce to the water fountain
-1
u/juliewbb 12h ago
If there is not already a union you can join, you should start trying to unionize your coworkers (if legal where you live).
Be careful and discreet and spread the news about this via personal communications like text and personal emails – and only before or after work hours. Never at work. You can Google grocery worker unions in your area to try to connect with an organization that can help you.
-1
u/Gyozarrita 13h ago
It's Hannaford isn't it? They do this shit. Absolute sweatshop, terrible awful employer.
0
-1
u/TexanGoblin 13h ago
Some managers are just assholes that feel like they have a right to act like they own you.
-9
u/Feet-Of-Clay 13h ago
Sounds like an OSHA violation. Hydration is important for general safety.
If you have an OSHA hotline, then make an anonymous call and just lay out what the prohibition is and remember to mention how it's a risk for laborers.
I hope this changes for you all for the better soon!
8
u/Ethywen 13h ago
Telling someone not to drink out on the store floor isn't an OSHA violation unless they're not able to get water when they need it. Your job does NOT have to let you constantly carry water with you everywhere unless you're providing some sort of doctors order for it.
-2
u/Itchy_Tumbleweed_417 13h ago
My doctor would give me an order for this. The manager‘s argument for why this policy exists is ridiculous if I could get a doctors order for this. My doctors order doesn’t make my bottle of water any less dangerous if that’s what he thinks.
2
1
u/couchpro34 10h ago
If you have such a disability that requires drinking water within seconds of feeling the slightest amount of thirst, I have a feeling you're too fragile for stocking a grocery store, so that is completely irrelevant to the discussion at hand.
472
u/Hiriko 13h ago
I had this happen when I worked retail. New managers like to create new rules to show there's a new big boss in town. Had a similar thing where the new manager thought it was unprofessional to drink water in a customer's view so he banned water bottles on the floor/behind department stations.
So we just kept calling each other over the intercom to cover for a few minutes while the other ran to the breakroom to drink some water. Certain departments needed 100% coverage while others didn't. The ones that didn't need 100% coverage kept jogging back to the breakroom on their own.
Within a week it became "You can drink water behind the counter, just keep your water bottles out of view of the customers."