Hi-viz...always?

[Thunderthighs]

Hi, had a bit of a belated DOM/H+S talk after being off for a while. One point raised was: Wearing the Hi-viz vests at ALL TIMES outdoors.
Is this the case, or not? What if it's a scorching day, when we get one...Do we still have to wear it, sweating buckets?

One of our lads got bitten by a doggie. Owner - standing next to dog - blamed Hi-viz vest that frightened the poor pooch.
( And I thought dogs were colour blind!) So, in this instance, the Hi-viz vest "caused" the injury LOL!

What's the "official" stance..What penalties, problems, warnings can be issued/held against you if you're caught not wearing it at ALL TIMES outdoors.

[noggin1969]

The offical stance is that HiVizs must be worn at all times for out door work , you could even be suspended / sacked for not following H&S rules or any compensation claim in the event of an accident could be voided by failure to wear one. We had a lad in our office who got his HiViz caught on a passing lorry causing him to be dragged under the back wheels of a cement lorry ( the numpty then proceeded to drag him up the road then reversed off him ) needless to say he hasn't been in work for over a year.

[ronpetetrevchris]

Not as i understand it, we had this debate last year, centering around the summer heat, and when management checked it out it was advisable to wear for all outdoor work but not compulsery.

It is compulsery when in the loading or van yard however.

[slinger]

We have been told it is compulsary if riding a cycle [as is a helmet] or in the yard where vans are etc other than that ie out on delivery or inside work then no.

[happymackem]

mine is off as soon as i get in the van
bugga it,makes me sweat buckets

[OnAFlyer]

Only the drivers have them in our office. Nobody on walks has one, or ever has had one.

[General Mannerheim]

Can`t enforce you to wear them if you have a note off your mummy either.

[dados]

bikes & vans in ours,on walks only if its pissing down

[Lincox]

Here we go again. Local agreements in place even where H&S is involved. Why oh why can we not have a national rule stating what RM regulations are in this matter, and with an opt out clause for anyone to sign that does not want to wear H&S gear. If the opt out is signed it negates RM of any responsibility. I for one understand the need for a cycle helmet. However due to skin problems I find them extremely uncomfortable, and difficulty in retaining head warmth in Winter. I would therefore gladly sign an opt out form for this item of protective gear.

[Fluke]

In our area they are compulsory at all times. BTW it has already been proven that they have a zero tog value, however I still believe we should move to the string vest type.