Is This a Good Look for a Machine Operator?

What fashion faux pas is this “worker” committing?

As you might have gathered, that machine operator is no professional. That’s Veronica Lake, the movie star known for her peekaboo hairdo.

That magnificent hairdo helped Veronica Lake land juicy roles, often as the femme fatale in mystery films who lured men to their destruction. Ironically and unintentionally, this WW2 vintage propaganda photo, circa 1943, had the effect of making Veronica Lake a femme fatale in real life.

The victims were the female machinists populating the factories during the war who wanted, understandably, to look like Veronica Lake. And looking like Veronica Lake meant peekaboo hair. Unfortunately, peekaboo hair and moving machinery proved a fatal combination.

How many female machinists were actually killed because their Veronica Lake hair got caught in machinery is unknown. But one thing is certain. The War Department took notice. In 1943, the War Manpower Commission asked Ms. Lake to crop or confine her hair for the remainder of the war. Eager to contribute to the war effort, she happily agreed.

The moral: Workers who operate machinery should either have short hair or keep their hair confined (including facial hair), even if the machine has guards. This isn’t just a matter of good sense; it’s an OSHA requirement.

 3 Simple Facts: Long Hair and Machinery

Fact 1: Machines have belts, chains and other moving parts

Fact 2: Long hair can get caught in those moving parts

Fact 3: If that happens, workers can end up losing:

• Their hair;
• Their scalp;
• A part of their face; or
• Their life

Protect Yourself: Safe Hairstyles for Machine Operators

When you work with machines, you better wear your hair right—not to make a fashion statement but to stay alive! Here are some tips for machine operators:

1. Cut Your Hair Short

The best way to keep long hair out of machinery is not to have long hair at all

2. Shave Your Facial Hair

The best way to keep facial hair out of machinery is not to have facial hair at all

3. If You Do Have Long Hair, Don’t Just Tie It Back in a Ponytail or Braid. . .

Braids and ponytails that hang down a worker’s back are apt to get caught in machinery

4. . . . But Also Tie It Into a Bun or Knot

This way, there will be no loose ends to snag

5. Better Yet, Wear Hair Nets or Caps

This is a great idea even if your hair is short

Dress Smart For Machines: 8 Key Details

1. Loose or Baggy Clothing

2. Neck Ties

3. Open-Toed Shoes

4. Chains or Necklaces

5. Bracelets or Wrist Bands

6. RINGS

7. Wristwatches

8. Dangling Earrings