eurealist.co.uk

The Press: They’ll force our brickies to stop stripping in sun
Barmy EU chiefs want to ban Britain’s beefy builders from whipping off their shirts when the sun comes out. They say the lads must be forced to cover up to protect them from skin cancer. It could mean bronzed brickies are required by law to wear a T-shirt while swinging from the scaffolding. Or, buidling site bosses may be made to issue workers with sun block and shades - or even erect canopies over their heads. Other open-air workers like lifeguards would also be affected. But a spokesman for the Guild of Builders and Contractors rubbished the idea. He said: “Builders tend to be very muscular chaps and love to be stripped to the waist. You’ll never stop that.” The plan is likely to be rubber-stamped by the EU later this month.
(The Sun, 5 April 2005)

The Facts:

The EU has no plans to ban Britain’s brick layers from taking off their shirts (EU Beef Ban 5 April). Ministers and MEPs (including those from the UK) will soon vote on proposals that require employers to assess the risk of eye and skin damage for builders who are in the sun all day. New rules would also protect workers, such as welders, who might be exposed to lasers and infrared radiation. But if there’s no risk, there’s no reason for builders and brick layers to change their ways.

Notes: Again the Facts confirm the press reports, but are presented as a denial.

Press They say the lads must be forced to cover up to protect them from skin cancer.

Facts Ministers and MEPs (including those from the UK) will soon vote on proposals that require employers to assess the risk of eye and skin damage for builders who are in the sun all day. So there are proposals exactly as reported in the press.