Due to grooming requirements of their religion, a worker at a chemical plant cannot use a safety mask. The worker requests the employer to exempt him from wearing a safety mask. Identify a lawful justification for the employer refusing this request.

The rarity of a grooming practice among workers does not provide a lawful basis for refusing an exemption. Employers must consider the health and safety of all employees rather than the commonality of personal grooming practices. This rationale does not address the critical safety concerns associated with the job.

While dress codes are important for maintaining professionalism, they do not supersede health and safety regulations. An employee's grooming practice being non-compliant with a dress code cannot justify an exemption from wearing safety equipment that protects against health hazards.

BFOQ typically applies to situations where a specific characteristic is essential for performing a job. Grooming practices related to religious beliefs do not qualify as BFOQs for safety-related roles. Employers must accommodate religious practices unless doing so creates undue hardship, which is not established in this context.