I had this problem as well with some of my associates. I offered them the open back type but no one used them. I also offered them those cooling neck wraps (the kind you put in the freezer) but they didn’t want to wear those either. However, eventually, they did wear the usual lab coats.

I agree with Brad Norwood, for this job, it is a condition of employment and if they can’t comply, they should choose another profession. Charlie Morecraft said something one time (sorry for not having the exact quote)  along the lines of that employees had a choice about wearing safety gear:  they could choose to wear it or choose to work elsewhere.

Where is this person’s supervisor in helping to enforce the safety practices of your institution? I’ll bet if you look in your HR policy, there is a statement somewhere about following safety rules and consequences for failing to do so.

Does anyone have experience with chemists that state they are too hot to wear lab coats?  For the most part, all scientists in my company comply. One exception – he flat out refuses to wear the lab coat because he says it makes him so hot he feels like he’s going to pass out.

Since the whole point of wearing a lab coat is to protect against spills and splashes, wearing a thinner coat does not seem like a viable option. 

I would like to find a solution that is workable for the employee, but also protects the company from liability.

Thank you.

Danielle M. Boren

Laboratory Safety Manager

Senomyx, Inc.

4767 Nexus Center Dr. San Diego, Ca 92121

858-646-8357 office

858-404-0752 fax

858-401-2374 mobile