A 62-year-old builder has sparked widespread debate after claiming he was accused of 'indecent exposure' for working without a shirt under his high-vis vest on a building site in Liverpool. Jim Haynes, a grandfather of three from Oswestry, was working on renovations at the University of Liverpool's Mulberry Court site near the Metropolitan Cathedral during the bank holiday weekend, when temperatures reached 31°C.
Haynes told the Liverpool Echo that his site manager received an email from the university complaining about his attire. 'I've got a high-vis on, I've got my orange trousers on, I've got a hard hat on, and I've got everything I need to work, so what's the problem? Indecent exposure is a bit much,' he said. He added that he feared losing his job if he did not comply.
The university defended its position, stating it takes health and safety seriously and has robust policies in place. The Echo understands that working without a t-shirt contravenes site rules. However, social media users largely sided with Haynes, calling the situation 'ridiculous' and 'bonkers'. Many argued that given the heat and physical nature of the job, common sense should prevail.
One commenter wrote: 'World's gone absolutely bonkers,' while another said: 'Done absolutely nothing wrong.' Others, however, pointed out that Haynes should have known better, as wearing no clothes under a hi-vis is against health and safety regulations.
