Mixing
Can workers be expected to share fleece jackets without laundering between users? [closed]
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
My workplace has over 15 people doing the same job. It can be a very cold environment. The management has provided 3 fleece jackets and expects the staff to use these when on duty, without laundering between users. Just take the jacket, wear it and put it back.
Is this acceptable practice?
health
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
closed as primarily opinion-based by Jan Doggen, Michael Grubey, gnat, user9158, IDrinkandIKnowThings Oct 20 '14 at 13:27
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
My workplace has over 15 people doing the same job. It can be a very cold environment. The management has provided 3 fleece jackets and expects the staff to use these when on duty, without laundering between users. Just take the jacket, wear it and put it back.
Is this acceptable practice?
health
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
closed as primarily opinion-based by Jan Doggen, Michael Grubey, gnat, user9158, IDrinkandIKnowThings Oct 20 '14 at 13:27
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
2
It's pretty cheap of them, but I think you'll struggle to convince anyone it's some kind of health risk.
– Dan
Oct 18 '14 at 12:05
3
Probably heavily depends on the jurisdiction in which you are working.
– Christian
Oct 18 '14 at 12:14
What about simple transmissable bacteria like MRSA? Carriers can be asymptomatic.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:26
Why are there so few jackets to go around? Unless you're working shifts with only 3 people on duty at a time, isn't there a good chance that you'll have periods where you have far fewer jackets than workers? Do those people just huddle in the corner and shiver?
– alroc
Oct 18 '14 at 13:08
Are you wearing these the whole shift, or just sporadically? For example, do you just grab the jacket when you need to go stock the walk-in freezer?
– David K
Oct 20 '14 at 13:08
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
My workplace has over 15 people doing the same job. It can be a very cold environment. The management has provided 3 fleece jackets and expects the staff to use these when on duty, without laundering between users. Just take the jacket, wear it and put it back.
Is this acceptable practice?
health
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
My workplace has over 15 people doing the same job. It can be a very cold environment. The management has provided 3 fleece jackets and expects the staff to use these when on duty, without laundering between users. Just take the jacket, wear it and put it back.
Is this acceptable practice?
health
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
asked Oct 18 '14 at 11:56
Gail
1
1
closed as primarily opinion-based by Jan Doggen, Michael Grubey, gnat, user9158, IDrinkandIKnowThings Oct 20 '14 at 13:27
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as primarily opinion-based by Jan Doggen, Michael Grubey, gnat, user9158, IDrinkandIKnowThings Oct 20 '14 at 13:27
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
2
It's pretty cheap of them, but I think you'll struggle to convince anyone it's some kind of health risk.
– Dan
Oct 18 '14 at 12:05
3
Probably heavily depends on the jurisdiction in which you are working.
– Christian
Oct 18 '14 at 12:14
What about simple transmissable bacteria like MRSA? Carriers can be asymptomatic.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:26
Why are there so few jackets to go around? Unless you're working shifts with only 3 people on duty at a time, isn't there a good chance that you'll have periods where you have far fewer jackets than workers? Do those people just huddle in the corner and shiver?
– alroc
Oct 18 '14 at 13:08
Are you wearing these the whole shift, or just sporadically? For example, do you just grab the jacket when you need to go stock the walk-in freezer?
– David K
Oct 20 '14 at 13:08
 |Â
show 1 more comment
2
It's pretty cheap of them, but I think you'll struggle to convince anyone it's some kind of health risk.
– Dan
Oct 18 '14 at 12:05
3
Probably heavily depends on the jurisdiction in which you are working.
– Christian
Oct 18 '14 at 12:14
What about simple transmissable bacteria like MRSA? Carriers can be asymptomatic.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:26
Why are there so few jackets to go around? Unless you're working shifts with only 3 people on duty at a time, isn't there a good chance that you'll have periods where you have far fewer jackets than workers? Do those people just huddle in the corner and shiver?
– alroc
Oct 18 '14 at 13:08
Are you wearing these the whole shift, or just sporadically? For example, do you just grab the jacket when you need to go stock the walk-in freezer?
– David K
Oct 20 '14 at 13:08
2
2
It's pretty cheap of them, but I think you'll struggle to convince anyone it's some kind of health risk.
– Dan
Oct 18 '14 at 12:05
It's pretty cheap of them, but I think you'll struggle to convince anyone it's some kind of health risk.
– Dan
Oct 18 '14 at 12:05
3
3
Probably heavily depends on the jurisdiction in which you are working.
– Christian
Oct 18 '14 at 12:14
Probably heavily depends on the jurisdiction in which you are working.
– Christian
Oct 18 '14 at 12:14
What about simple transmissable bacteria like MRSA? Carriers can be asymptomatic.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:26
What about simple transmissable bacteria like MRSA? Carriers can be asymptomatic.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:26
Why are there so few jackets to go around? Unless you're working shifts with only 3 people on duty at a time, isn't there a good chance that you'll have periods where you have far fewer jackets than workers? Do those people just huddle in the corner and shiver?
– alroc
Oct 18 '14 at 13:08
Why are there so few jackets to go around? Unless you're working shifts with only 3 people on duty at a time, isn't there a good chance that you'll have periods where you have far fewer jackets than workers? Do those people just huddle in the corner and shiver?
– alroc
Oct 18 '14 at 13:08
Are you wearing these the whole shift, or just sporadically? For example, do you just grab the jacket when you need to go stock the walk-in freezer?
– David K
Oct 20 '14 at 13:08
Are you wearing these the whole shift, or just sporadically? For example, do you just grab the jacket when you need to go stock the walk-in freezer?
– David K
Oct 20 '14 at 13:08
 |Â
show 1 more comment
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
Is this acceptable practice?
It's rather cheesy, but I've seen it and similar situations before. I've worked for one. At least in my part of the world, it's considered an acceptable practice.
Have you approached management and asked if you could bring your own home-laundered fleece?
Have you asked management if they would purchase a fleece for you and you would launder it yourself?
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Since you are in the UK, not familiar with your rules for employment. In the US, if an employee needs protective equipment, the employer is expected to provide it or make the employee aware they are required to purchase as a part of employment. For example, manufacturing may require steel toe boots, these would be listed as an item the employee must have and wear for work. In healthcare, scrubs are required for many areas; however, in the OR they must be sterile, so hospitals provide these to the employees. If you are working in the Family Practice clinic, you are expected to purchase your own.
Suggest doing some research on employment requirements and see if you can find something to support either the purchase for each employee (or daily laundering). Agree with previous commenter, there are many communicable diseases which do not need body fluid or blood and well, just ewwww.
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
It probably is acceptable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge it.
In your position, I think a sensible approach would be...
- Chat to your manager about it. Raise the fact that you feel uncomfortable wearing an unwashed fleece. Be aware that she may not have the power / budget to change it.
- Talk to your local union rep. If you're not part of a union yet, take a look at one which is relevant to your place of work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/type.php - the rep should be able to tell you what your options are.
- Finally, ask your other co-workers if they feel the same. Having several team members push back is likely to be a lot more effective than just having you complain.
Good luck!
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
2
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
Is this acceptable practice?
It's rather cheesy, but I've seen it and similar situations before. I've worked for one. At least in my part of the world, it's considered an acceptable practice.
Have you approached management and asked if you could bring your own home-laundered fleece?
Have you asked management if they would purchase a fleece for you and you would launder it yourself?
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Is this acceptable practice?
It's rather cheesy, but I've seen it and similar situations before. I've worked for one. At least in my part of the world, it's considered an acceptable practice.
Have you approached management and asked if you could bring your own home-laundered fleece?
Have you asked management if they would purchase a fleece for you and you would launder it yourself?
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Is this acceptable practice?
It's rather cheesy, but I've seen it and similar situations before. I've worked for one. At least in my part of the world, it's considered an acceptable practice.
Have you approached management and asked if you could bring your own home-laundered fleece?
Have you asked management if they would purchase a fleece for you and you would launder it yourself?
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
Is this acceptable practice?
It's rather cheesy, but I've seen it and similar situations before. I've worked for one. At least in my part of the world, it's considered an acceptable practice.
Have you approached management and asked if you could bring your own home-laundered fleece?
Have you asked management if they would purchase a fleece for you and you would launder it yourself?
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
answered Oct 18 '14 at 12:20
Joe Strazzere
223k106657924
223k106657924
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
I am in the UK. The jackets have the logo, so not acceptable to bring in my own.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:22
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
MM id be calling the union/ HSE or anonymously tipping of the local press. As its the uk protective clothing has to be fit for purpose and for 15 people 3 fleeces doesn't sound good they provide gloves and other gear needed for working in cold environments.
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Since you are in the UK, not familiar with your rules for employment. In the US, if an employee needs protective equipment, the employer is expected to provide it or make the employee aware they are required to purchase as a part of employment. For example, manufacturing may require steel toe boots, these would be listed as an item the employee must have and wear for work. In healthcare, scrubs are required for many areas; however, in the OR they must be sterile, so hospitals provide these to the employees. If you are working in the Family Practice clinic, you are expected to purchase your own.
Suggest doing some research on employment requirements and see if you can find something to support either the purchase for each employee (or daily laundering). Agree with previous commenter, there are many communicable diseases which do not need body fluid or blood and well, just ewwww.
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Since you are in the UK, not familiar with your rules for employment. In the US, if an employee needs protective equipment, the employer is expected to provide it or make the employee aware they are required to purchase as a part of employment. For example, manufacturing may require steel toe boots, these would be listed as an item the employee must have and wear for work. In healthcare, scrubs are required for many areas; however, in the OR they must be sterile, so hospitals provide these to the employees. If you are working in the Family Practice clinic, you are expected to purchase your own.
Suggest doing some research on employment requirements and see if you can find something to support either the purchase for each employee (or daily laundering). Agree with previous commenter, there are many communicable diseases which do not need body fluid or blood and well, just ewwww.
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Since you are in the UK, not familiar with your rules for employment. In the US, if an employee needs protective equipment, the employer is expected to provide it or make the employee aware they are required to purchase as a part of employment. For example, manufacturing may require steel toe boots, these would be listed as an item the employee must have and wear for work. In healthcare, scrubs are required for many areas; however, in the OR they must be sterile, so hospitals provide these to the employees. If you are working in the Family Practice clinic, you are expected to purchase your own.
Suggest doing some research on employment requirements and see if you can find something to support either the purchase for each employee (or daily laundering). Agree with previous commenter, there are many communicable diseases which do not need body fluid or blood and well, just ewwww.
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
Since you are in the UK, not familiar with your rules for employment. In the US, if an employee needs protective equipment, the employer is expected to provide it or make the employee aware they are required to purchase as a part of employment. For example, manufacturing may require steel toe boots, these would be listed as an item the employee must have and wear for work. In healthcare, scrubs are required for many areas; however, in the OR they must be sterile, so hospitals provide these to the employees. If you are working in the Family Practice clinic, you are expected to purchase your own.
Suggest doing some research on employment requirements and see if you can find something to support either the purchase for each employee (or daily laundering). Agree with previous commenter, there are many communicable diseases which do not need body fluid or blood and well, just ewwww.
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
answered Oct 18 '14 at 15:02
Jane_Smith
511
511
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
suggest improvements |Â
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
PHB: "Hey, that sweater you're wearing isn't authorized, you must don the communal fleece and become one with the odors of your fellow workers for the next 8 hours. Every. Day." Me: "Nope. I quit."
– James Adam
Oct 18 '14 at 18:11
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
It probably is acceptable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge it.
In your position, I think a sensible approach would be...
- Chat to your manager about it. Raise the fact that you feel uncomfortable wearing an unwashed fleece. Be aware that she may not have the power / budget to change it.
- Talk to your local union rep. If you're not part of a union yet, take a look at one which is relevant to your place of work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/type.php - the rep should be able to tell you what your options are.
- Finally, ask your other co-workers if they feel the same. Having several team members push back is likely to be a lot more effective than just having you complain.
Good luck!
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
2
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
It probably is acceptable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge it.
In your position, I think a sensible approach would be...
- Chat to your manager about it. Raise the fact that you feel uncomfortable wearing an unwashed fleece. Be aware that she may not have the power / budget to change it.
- Talk to your local union rep. If you're not part of a union yet, take a look at one which is relevant to your place of work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/type.php - the rep should be able to tell you what your options are.
- Finally, ask your other co-workers if they feel the same. Having several team members push back is likely to be a lot more effective than just having you complain.
Good luck!
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
2
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
It probably is acceptable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge it.
In your position, I think a sensible approach would be...
- Chat to your manager about it. Raise the fact that you feel uncomfortable wearing an unwashed fleece. Be aware that she may not have the power / budget to change it.
- Talk to your local union rep. If you're not part of a union yet, take a look at one which is relevant to your place of work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/type.php - the rep should be able to tell you what your options are.
- Finally, ask your other co-workers if they feel the same. Having several team members push back is likely to be a lot more effective than just having you complain.
Good luck!
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
It probably is acceptable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge it.
In your position, I think a sensible approach would be...
- Chat to your manager about it. Raise the fact that you feel uncomfortable wearing an unwashed fleece. Be aware that she may not have the power / budget to change it.
- Talk to your local union rep. If you're not part of a union yet, take a look at one which is relevant to your place of work - http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/type.php - the rep should be able to tell you what your options are.
- Finally, ask your other co-workers if they feel the same. Having several team members push back is likely to be a lot more effective than just having you complain.
Good luck!
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
answered Oct 19 '14 at 8:09
Terence Eden
10.3k43350
10.3k43350
2
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
suggest improvements |Â
2
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
2
2
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
It might be legal but behaviour like this is not acceptable!
– Pepone
Oct 19 '14 at 18:04
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
I'd suggest doing #3 before #1.
– Dan Neely
Oct 20 '14 at 11:02
suggest improvements |Â
2
It's pretty cheap of them, but I think you'll struggle to convince anyone it's some kind of health risk.
– Dan
Oct 18 '14 at 12:05
3
Probably heavily depends on the jurisdiction in which you are working.
– Christian
Oct 18 '14 at 12:14
What about simple transmissable bacteria like MRSA? Carriers can be asymptomatic.
– Gail
Oct 18 '14 at 12:26
Why are there so few jackets to go around? Unless you're working shifts with only 3 people on duty at a time, isn't there a good chance that you'll have periods where you have far fewer jackets than workers? Do those people just huddle in the corner and shiver?
– alroc
Oct 18 '14 at 13:08
Are you wearing these the whole shift, or just sporadically? For example, do you just grab the jacket when you need to go stock the walk-in freezer?
– David K
Oct 20 '14 at 13:08