BRITISH builders could be forced to cover their reddened torsos if a proposed European directive aimed at protecting workers from exposure to sunlight is passed this week, writes Nicola Smith.

The “optical radiation directive”, due to be put to the European parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, was intended primarily to protect workers from x-ray or welding equipment.

However, members of the chamber’s powerful Socialist group — which includes Britain’s Labour MEPs — are pressing for the directive to be modified to cover natural radiation from the sun.

They are opposed by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, making the final result of the vote too close to call.

The European commission, which drew up the directive, believes EU-wide rules are vital to health and safety. Under the current proposal, employers would be required to carry out a risk assessment and devise a plan to take “technical or organisational measures” to reduce risks.

Employers have warned that such a “tan ban” could oblige them to issue sun lotion or baseball caps to builders and others who work outside, or risk possible lawsuits if they contract skin cancers or other conditions related to exposure to sunlight.

“The proposed requirement for employers to regulate exposure to sunlight is impractical,” said Andrew Large, a spokesman for the Federation of Master Builders. “Requiring them to do so would not only cause great difficulty, it would also make them liable for something over which they have no control.”

Philip Bushill-Matthews, a Conservative MEP, warned that a wide range of people including life guards, farm workers and even cricketers, could be affected.

“This is another example of politicians trying to meddle in people’s lives. It seems we can’t be trusted to take care of ourselves,” he said.

Liz Lynne, a Liberal Democrat MEP and fellow critic, agreed. “It is no business of the EU to decide whether a worker can be bare-chested or wear shorts,” she said. “How can anyone possibly think that we can legislate against the sun in the workplace?”

The British government has dismissed claims the law will make a significant difference to working practices, but says workers should be made aware that excessive exposure to sunlight is dangerous.

“The UK is concerned that a sensible directive emerges,” a government spokeswoman said.

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