Unclean work jackets Unhealthy practice.

Bob2000

I have a nephew who works at a supermarket mainly on checkouts, but since the trolley guy retired, he is asked with others to do some time outside.

My question is, the jackets they provide are not washed and, after getting wet, are smelly. (His description a cross between wet dog and stale sweat) He's refused to wear them during the recent storms ands been told he's got to wear them or have a written warning.

He's quite happy to do the work wearing a hi -vi vest.

He's offered to wear his own jacket with a hi-vi vestv over, but management said no.

Should the store be cleaning their work/safety uniform to a minimum standard on hygiene grounds.

I can't see any of the managers being happy to wear them myself.

NCC1701-A

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6688258/unclean-work-jackets-unhealthy-practice

What does his union H&S rep say about the issue?

Brie

Are they washable? Or would they need to be dry cleaned?

Either way he could look proactive by suggesting that he take them to a cleaners/laundrette to be dealt with.

I assume all the rest of the kit is washed by the individuals wearing it and have applied for the relevant tax credit.

vacheron

I would have thought that clothing mandated to be worn by your employer would be classed as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), so why do they not issue one to each member of staff required to perform this role?

PART 1 Guidance on the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 Clause 30

When providing PPE, employers should ensure that equipment is readily
available, and employees have clear instructions on where they can obtain it. Most
PPE is provided on a personal basis, but may be shared by employees, for
example where it is only required for limited periods. When shared, employers
should ensure such equipment is properly cleaned and, where required,
decontaminated to ensure there are no health risks to the next person using it.

Marcon

I would have thought that clothing mandated to be worn by your employer would be classed as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), so why do they not issue one to each member of staff required to perform this role?

Only if mandated to be worn for health and safety reasons (being outside for a short time in a shower/chilly weather isn't usually something seen as a major health risk) - and there's no indication in OP"s post that the jackets are shared:

My question is, the jackets they provide are not washed and, after getting wet, are smelly. (His description a cross between wet dog and stale sweat) He's refused to wear them during the recent storms ands been told he's got to wear them or have a written warning.

Plenty of fabrics smell when they are worn in the rain - and few people would wash theirs regularly, not least because doing so interferes with the water-repellent properties of a garment. Maybe gently encourage your nephew to pick his battles, and not make a fuss about something which, objectively, is unlikely to pose any health risk other than offending his apparently delicate nostrils? If nobody else is objecting, then he's not doing his future prospects any good by taking a stance on something the other employees see as a non-issue.

Savvy_Sue

One issue might be around how the jackets are stored when not in use. If they're all dumped together and not allowed to dry out, then they will smell.

But if he wants to pursue it, then joining the union (probably USDAW) would be a very sensible move. If he's not yet a member, he can probably find out who the stewards are and see if they will talk to him informally.

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82182735#Comment_82182735

He/She is going to enquire about it.

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82182790#Comment_82182790

I assume they are the type of jackets that you see council workers and security guards wearing bright yellow or orange with reflective bars on them so not sure if they are washable?

They have one of them laundrette self service set ups outside the shop but the manager as apparently said "if he wants to pay for them to be clean go ahead".

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82182795#Comment_82182795

Can't see them forking out for a jacket for each person doing the trolleys.

The jacket is shared and l Personally think there is a health risk and most importantly a total lack of dignity and respect for the individual who's got to wear that filth.

I'll show him the information you have provided.

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82182997#Comment_82182997

The jackets are shared by at least five individuals and he's not the only one to comment on their smell. Seems like one person who wore it as since been to GP with a rash on forearms.

He's doesn't have delicate nostrils either he's mucking out stables at the weekends l thinks he just wants some common decency as a human being.

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82183422#Comment_82183422

He is a member of the union and the rep is looking into it. The jackets are heaped into a pile in the warehouse apparently.