The time spent by an employee putting on and taking off safety equipment and clothing can be compensable under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Kentucky wage and hour law.  This is known as "donning and doffing" safety equipment and clothing and has been the subject of a number of lawsuits for unpaid overtime and wages. 

Employees at an Oscar Mayer plant in Iowa have filed a class action lawsuit for unpaid overtime and wages claiming that they are not paid for time they spend donning and doffing their uniforms, safety footwear, hairnets, glasses and other equipment before and after their shifts.

Source: Chicago Tribune 

 

If you have questions about wages or overtime owed you, contact Lexington, Kentucky overtime lawyer Robert Abell at 859-254-7076.