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Posted By J. Robin Gatenby
The organisation is considering bringing in a uniform (similar to that worn by bank/shop staff - shirt/blouse with logo, trousers/skirt/tie)for reception/customer service staff. the staff involved have been consulted and are "happy" with the proposal, there is no objection from staff or management to travelling to/from work in the uniform.
The union reps are requesting changing facilities for staff quoting Reg 23/24 of the Workplace' regs and INDG 293/5 as uniform as "special clothing". Lockers/coat hooks are provided and there is no PPE element to the uniform.
Does anyone have any thoughts or knowledge of case law etc on this matter?
Thanks
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Posted By holmezy
J.Robin (?)
my initial thoughts are that the uniforms should not be considered as "special clothing" and therefore no changing facilities should be provided. Unless you are expecting them to get heavily soiled or dirty during the course of the work then it certainly wouldnt be thought of as PPE.
If the union reps think that changing facilities are required, what do you think they would want for school children who wear uniforms, or traffic wardens, or train drivers, etc etc. Some may have these facilities, but they are not mandatory. Coal miners, foundry workers etc,,,then yes.
I suspect there is an alterior motive somewhere, do any of the reps run or cycle to work and feel that having a shower and a changing room would be nice?
Holmezy
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Posted By barry dodson
With regards to the uniform if it has a company logo on it and you have to wash it.You get a tax allowance for doing so.
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Posted By Merv Newman
I am required to wear a special uniform at work. I am not required to wear it in the street. Therefore I do require male/female changing facilities. And a locker. Showering ? Depends on the work.
Merv
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Posted By Raymond Rapp
As one respondent has already mentioned, uniform is not normally PPE. There could be an issue if there were any special restrictions on staff wearing the uniform. For example, not allowed to wear the uniform in a public house. Hence there could be an issue with having facilities for changing.
Ray
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Posted By Paul Devlin
Yes uniforms can be classed as "special Clothing" please see "Post Office V Footitt"
Hope this helps you.
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Why do unions always try to throw a spanner in the works?
Stand by for the barrage!
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Posted By J. Robin Gatenby
thanks to everyone for your help - the Post Office case is very useful.
I also asked the same question to the HSE Infoline - who suggested contacting the local inspector (who have previously suggested contacting the infoline!!)
I did receive a view from the lawyers that some may find interesting, they basically say that we are talking about "normal clothing" that is in corporate colours or has a "logo" and not a uniform so is outside the requirements of Reg 24 (W(HSW)R '92).
I remain sceptical and will be advising that changing facilities are created!
Thanks again
Regards
Robin
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Posted By Exdeeps
Afternoon,
If I may hijack this for a moment, the thread has got me wondering about hospital and medical staff in general. How is their "working on a ward" clothing defined?
Special clothing, Normal clothes in corporate colours or PPE? It seems to come up quite regularly in the press that "nurses" have to set the highest standards regarding clinical hygiene yet are able to travel to and from work in the clothes they wear all day on the ward.
Jim
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