PPE at work. Forced to get changed prior to starting work.

[electricsilver]

We enter our factory thru the main doors, then clock-in at an electronic e-time machine. From there, we go to the locker rooms to change into PPE (personal protective equipment) Flash suits, boots, body warmers etc.,

 

We then attend our "place of work" in the factory.

 

The company now want us to enter the building, get changed into PPE, then go to our "place of work" where a "clocking machine" will be installed.

 

Whilst most of us are very punctual and attend work in good time, we feel as if PPE time is really work time. What the company are doing, is forcing us to change into PPE during OUR own time.

 

As a further example, if I'm running a little late, I can still get to work on time, BUT still be late clocking in because this process can take up to 10 mins.

 

The same is true of leaving work. We will be required to "clock out" at our place of work. THEN go and get changed out of our PPE, before leaving the building.

 

Any thoughts, rules, laws, etc.,

[leonmassey]

Not wishing to be tough but given the state of the economy surely u should be glad u have a job especially with this being such a trivial matter. Would u be allowed to take ur ppe home and as such arrive at work wearing it without the loss of any time. It took my daughter nearly 18mth to get a job and i know she would have been happy just for the wage.

[electricsilver]

Not wishing to be tough but given the state of the economy surely u should be glad u have a job especially with this being such a trivial matter. Would u be allowed to take ur ppe home and as such arrive at work wearing it without the loss of any time. It took my daughter nearly 18mth to get a job and i know she would have been happy just for the wage.

 

So once again we have to be grateful for a job. Where's the protection for the individual? This policy affects over 500 people. This is after losing break times, losing bonuses and working an extra 2 hrs free a week. Whilst the office (upper management) continue with their benefits. Our company has exceeded all expectations in global profits for the previous two years, despite the recession, yet we (the workers) are having what little we've got chipped away. Where does it end? Or should I keep my big mouth shut and be grateful for a job? Trivial!

[leonmassey]

You must forgive me but if u read ur initial post none of the supporting information was given and the only issue u raised was one of ten mins a day, i would suggest if there are 500 people effected u have more power together than u realise. I would contact the main union that deals with your industry and see if u can negotiate terms.

[johnvernon74]

Don't think you should be concerned about having the job !! Your employer is taking you for a ride. 20 mins a day x 5 day = 1hr 40 a week x how many employees. I'd get the union in to sort this or read your terms and conditions. Too many employers think they can rip us off. Hold your stance and don't let them away with it - this is a money saving scheme at the cost of you!

[Gbarbm]

Quite right Johnvernon... I am sick, sore and tired of employers extracting the proverbial hoping we're too thick to notice!

There is a thing called "mutuality of obligation" which means you the employee, give up your time to carry out work for the employer and the employer pays you.

The wearing of the PPE is for work purposes only so why should you put it on in your own time... See your union rep or HR, get hold of the staff handbook or personnel manual and see if you can find anything regarding it

[CrappoMan]

One other aspect to think about: Is the clocking in machine used for any form of health and safety records, e.g: fire drill role call. If you are physically in the building but not 'registered', what happens if there is a fire drill or emergency evacuation.

 

Where I work, the first thing I have to do when I enter the building is 'tick in'. It may not be the same as a time clock, but if i'm late it's noticed.

[my-spirit-soars-free]

Employment law states that clocking in can be done at the site of work, not on entering the premises.

 

That can make an enormous difference on a large site, where you might get through the gate on time, but be 15 minutes late to your machine; or in one place where I worked (on the 13th floor) there were so few lifts that it would often take thirty minutes waiting for one, at the beginning and end of the day.

[Bluestar_Galaxy]

I have a similar problem in that im expected to stay late for cashing off, part of my job that im forced to do for free!! its not on but what can you do!! and people who say you should be grateful for a job are silly, regardless of what people say there ARE plenty of jobs out there!!

[assisted blonde]

I would have thought there were more imporaatnt things to worry about,as for the comment about we the workers what do you think management do its just a different type of wor> we all work some of us are lucky to have easier jobs than others some work more hours than others, do management clock in? pos not but i bet they dont finish and start at the same time every day and do more hours than their contracts say. If you like the job in general and it pays a reasonable wage put up with it if not look for somthing else.