Posted By Karen Jane Bradley
Is there any specific legislation covering the wearing of shorts on site in this weather - in particular roof tilers?

Posted By stevehaigh
How to Protect Your Skin in the Summer Sun

These are simple but essential guidelines, note the section on covering up.
Wear Sunscreen:To protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays, wear a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen every day-even if you're just going outdoors for 15 minutes. Read the directions carefully and reapply often.Cover Up:Wear protective clothing and hats when you're out in the sun. Loose-fitting clothing made from tightly woven fabric works best. Seek Shade:When the sun's really glaring, especially between the hours of 11 a.m.and 3 p.m., cover up and take a break.Protect Your Eyes:Wear wraparound sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. They'll protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them (and who wants wrinkles?). Stay away from mirrored sunglasses—they intensify the sun's rays. Protect Your Lips:Lips can never tan, but they easily burn. Wear a protective lip balm every day and reapply it often. Don't lick your lips—the lip balm will wear off faster. Ban the Tan:There's no such thing as a safe tan! Watch Out: Keep check on your skin. If you notice any freckles or moles that grow larger than a pencil eraser or change color or shape, ask your parents to take you to a dermatologist. Most skin problems can be treated successfully if they are caught early enough.

Posted By Thomas Grierson
With the current hot weather I have been approached on the same issue.
I have advised that all operatives (roofers included) are to abide by the site rules. We have issued a leaflet and toolbox talk on the effects of the sun i.e. burns & melanomas etc.
I have pointed out that long trousers/overalls are also there to protect the legs from impacts causing cuts/abrasions etc.
I have been asked about the hardhat policy and have stated that the sunshine does not prevent the potential for head injuries.
I have recommended that the operatives be allowed regular rest breaks and access to adequate, on-hand drinking water.

Posted By MichaelM
Shorts or not?

Should this not come down to risk assessment and all the issues raised included in it? If the temperature is so high that it is causing not only severe discumfort and the possibility of dehydration, there will also be the risk of people collapsing while up a scaffold / driving a JCB etc. Look at the hazards and controls and as if by majic come up with and assessment and a plan to tackle major hazards effectively.

If it has the workers on side and it meets all the necessary criteria for safety it will be adhered to.

Michael

Posted By Garry.
The answer to your question is "No" there is no defined legislition regarding the wearing of shorts.

The decision by the Client or PC that shorts will not be allowed should have already been made. If this rule was included in the CHSP then all persons involved with managing the work force should be aware of the site rules and so there should be no argument.

However the wearing of shorts on a building site I am sure is the last thing on Clients and PC Directors minds when drawing up a CHSP.

However as already pointed out in the earlier responces there is always the risks of injury through, cement burns & cuts & abrasions and so appropiate PPE should be worn.

With roof tilers and ground workers the PPE I am thinking of is protective trousers, whilst using a petrol driven disc cutter there is 50% of the blade open with no guard around it.
Operatives who use chainsaws have to wear protective trousers, so why don't operatives using a disc cutter. You will never see a roof tiler or ground workers with protective trousers on !!!!