Dress code in Construction

[maryl]

We currently have a dress code, that seemed adequate, and we furnish company shirts and jackets to all field employees. As Safety Manager, I prescribe the dress code for shoes,prescription safety glasses and require pants that are not ripped, or torn and that are professional looking (in addition to the cotton requirement). I never thought I would have to define, in specific terms, the meaning of "Professional Dress" but with hiring a recent employee, I find it necessary to be more specific about what is and is not acceptible when it comes to pants. Does anyone have some good wording and safety reasons that would prohibit pants worn below the underwear line and 6 sizes too big?
(The funny part is that this kid is going into law school in a year.)

 

[LarryFine]

I never thought I would have to define, in specific terms, the meaning of "Professional Dress" but with hiring a recent employee, I find it necessary to be more specific about what is and is not acceptible when it comes to pants.

You obviously haven't had teenage kids yet. You have to be very specific with everything you say to them. "You didn't say I should undress before showering!" Many kids don't have the drive within to do more than they have to to get what's important to them (immediate gratification); and then, only barely.

Does anyone have some good wording and safety reasons that would prohibit pants worn below the underwear line and 6 sizes too big?

How about "You want to work here? The safety of your employment is at risk!"

(The funny part is that this kid is going into law school in a year.)

No, that's the scary part. Picture him in front of a judge . . . dressed the same way.

 

[charlie]

I have seen a booklet that is put out by Disney that is called "The Disney Look" that you may want to consider using parts of for your company. You will notice pictures or drawings of what is and is not acceptable. When your employees are projecting the company image to the public, you are permitted to have a dress code.

On the other hand, you are not permitted to have a dress code except for safety and functionality reasons. For instance, a woman can were shorts but can't wear extremely short shorts that would be provocative to the rest of the office to the point of distraction.

 

[charlie b]

All I can suggest is what not to do. Do not attempt to provide hints, and hope the person will "get it." They won't. Be clear, be explicit, speak in plain English, and say exactly what you mean. For example, you can say, "it is not acceptable for your underwear to be visible."

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Does anyone have some good wording and safety reasons that would prohibit pants worn below the underwear line and 6 sizes too big?
(The funny part is that this kid is going into law school in a year.)

Recommendations - Personal Protective Equipment should be in good repair, correctly sized for the worker, and appropriate for the task. OSHA has some very good guidelines available online entitled Personal Protective Equipment, with information on choosing and using PPE.

 

[pbeasley]

We currently have a dress code, that seemed adequate, and we furnish company shirts and jackets to all field employees. As Safety Manager, I prescribe the dress code for shoes,prescription safety glasses and require pants that are not ripped, or torn and that are professional looking (in addition to the cotton requirement). I never thought I would have to define, in specific terms, the meaning of "Professional Dress" but with hiring a recent employee, I find it necessary to be more specific about what is and is not acceptible when it comes to pants. Does anyone have some good wording and safety reasons that would prohibit pants worn below the underwear line and 6 sizes too big?
(The funny part is that this kid is going into law school in a year.)

In addition to things already mentioned, maybe someone could discuss with him the reasons for correctly sized clothing, I can only imagine what would happen if those pants got snagged on a nearby pipe bender or trencher.

 

[hockeyoligist2]

For example, you can say, "it is not acceptable for your underwear to be visible."

Unless you are squatting, that would be better than crack!

 

[BryanMD]

Safety issues aside, it shouldn't even need to be discussed.

Did anyone else see 60 minutes this weekend?

The piece was called: "The Millenials are Coming"
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/08/60minutes/main3475200.shtml

All about the coddling of and expectations by the latest crop of kids entering the workforce. The issues of the OP are just the tip of the iceburg.

edit to add a quote from the story:
"You do have to speak to them a little bit like a therapist on television might speak to a patient," Salzman says, laughing. "You can't be harsh. You cannot tell them you're disappointed in them. You can't really ask them to live and breathe the company. Because they're living and breathing themselves and that keeps them very busy."

 

[maryl]

All good suggestions. (My girls ar all grown 29 and 31) I did talk with him on a job site. Told him to "pull up your pants and tighten your belt" His effort was less than meaningful so I made him put down what he was hauling and do it. I found more weakness on the part of his supervisors who should have sent him home but didn't.

 

[roger3829]

We currently have a dress code, that seemed adequate, and we furnish company shirts and jackets to all field employees. As Safety Manager, I prescribe the dress code for shoes,prescription safety glasses and require pants that are not ripped, or torn and that are professional looking (in addition to the cotton requirement). I never thought I would have to define, in specific terms, the meaning of "Professional Dress" but with hiring a recent employee, I find it necessary to be more specific about what is and is not acceptible when it comes to pants. Does anyone have some good wording and safety reasons that would prohibit pants worn below the underwear line and 6 sizes too big?
(The funny part is that this kid is going into law school in a year.)

It starts early. I teach in a technical high school, we have a dress code but it's not enforced. The biggest problem is lack of support from the parents. This just carries on into the work force. No one wants to wear pants that fit and hold them up with a belt. That's just "gay". They can't keep their shirts tucked in either, but that part is ok so I don't have to look at their underwear. Tying their shoes, wearing safety glasses is also a struggle.

Their famous last words are "This is only school, I'm not getting paid. When I get a job I will behave, dress right, and work hard."

I guess that isn't working out too well.

 

[sticko]

Funny. There was a young man working here in pants as you discribe. Should have seen him carring a 5" pvc duct. One hand on the conduit the other on his pants.It took him a while.

 

[mdshunk]

Here's what I got:

"Pants may not be baggy or sag away from the body. Crotch of pants must fit at the natural crotch. Bottom of pants may not extend past the bottom of the shoe or boot. Pants must be worn at the natural waist. Belts are not expressly required, however, if necessary a belt or suspenders will need to be worn to keep pants at the natural waist to assure compliance with this section. Belts should not extend more than 6" from buckle, and suspenders must be of a color that co-ordinates with the uniform colors (blue, black, grey)."

 

[480sparky]

 

[ItsHot]

pants

pants

I say "just be sure to wear some"! Why did Yogi bear wear a dress hat and tie,but no pants?

 

[frizbeedog]

...pants worn below the underwear line and 6 sizes too big?
(The funny part is that this kid is going into law school in a year.)

...to be a defense lawyer for gangsters I suspect? :roll:

If your pants fall down you'll trip and fall. Safety first. :smile:

 

[480sparky]

I say "just be sure to wear some"! Why did Yogi bear wear a dress hat and tie,but no pants?

Because bears, well, you know, in the woods.

 

[tonyou812]

I would nip it in the butt before it becomes a problem. especially if its a new guy. I would just tell him he can not ever wear that again for these reasons: And not ever means not ever, I dont care if your mom doesnt wash your pants, or your dog peed on your clean clothes...

 

[mdshunk]

edit to add a quote from the story:
"You do have to speak to them a little bit like a therapist on television might speak to a patient," Salzman says, laughing. "You can't be harsh. You cannot tell them you're disappointed in them. You can't really ask them to live and breathe the company. Because they're living and breathing themselves and that keeps them very busy."

I refuse to subscribe to that theory. One of the better resources I've found for communicating with Gen X electricians is the nerdherding blog.

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Just make sure you hire only everyday normal guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PsnxDQvQpw