LAST DITCH ATTEMPT TO SAVE BARE CHESTED BUILDERS FROM LABOUR'S TAN BAN
September 7, 2005 12:00 AM
Bare-chested builders and other outdoor workers could be forced to cover up if the Socialist members of the European Parliament get their way.
Today sees a vote in the European Parliament on the Optical Radiation Directive. This covers non-controversial safety measures on exposure to artificial radiation such as hospital x-rays and ultra-violet. But it also seeks to require workers to be protected against natural radiation - that is, sunlight. The UK's Labour Government has supported this 'tan ban' in the European Council.
North East Lib Dem Euro MP Fiona Hall, speaking before today's vote, said:
"We don't need a law against the sun in the workplace. It would be unworkable.
"Of course everyone should be told about the dangers of over exposure to strong sunlight but protection cannot just be seen as an employer's responsibility.
"How could anyone know whether a worker had contracted skin cancer from the workplace, back garden or the beach?"
"Everyone has a personal responsibility to be careful about how they sunbathe - including builders!"
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