Posted By Merv Newman There are indeed lots of manufacturing situations which allow, nay, supply shorts for use during hot weather. Unless you are working in a foundry I feel that any additional injuries resulting from shorts versus trousers will be on the level of first aid. And I include the chemical industry in this as the wearing of clothing is known to be an aggravating factor when an employee is splashed with chemicals. (the time required to get ALL your kit off is the time during which the chemicals are in contact with your soft bits) Discuss Merv

Posted By The toecap The difference between bare arms and bare legs is that arms can and often will be washed when dirty, whereas legs stay dirty all day and if its semi nasty stuff then there MAY be problems. Its down to the environment thats worked in.

Posted By Hilary Charlton I am H&S advisor for a manufacturing plant and our employees wear shorts. We haven't had an accident as a result and we've been doing it for years. Hilary

Posted By Martin Mulholland A lot of the problem, I think, stems from history in which Management is averse to allowing worker freedom. It may not really be about risk at all but more about exercising control. For example, how many people do you know who work in offices who are not customer-facing still have to wear a tie? And while i'm at it - apart from a handy glasses cleaner - does the tie serve any purpose at all?

Posted By Martin Taylor thanks for the comments - from what has been posted there aren't many safety objections to the wearing of shorts. Interesting discussions ahead me thinks Martin