Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employers try to avoid paying workers for off-the-clock time. One of the ways employers do this is to not pay for the time it takes to put on ("don") and take off ("doff") certain personal safety and protective gear that is required for employees to do their job, such as hard hats, gloves, ear plugs, hair nets, or coveralls
In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the donning and doffing of workers’ gear in a meat processing plant was a principal work activity and compensable under the FLSA.
The Court also held that the time employees spent walking to and from their work area after donning and before doffing their work gear was compensable because it was part of the continuous workday.
Think you are owed pay for donning & doffing before or after your shift? Free and confidential consultations are available with our employment attorneys by calling (866) 981-4800 or by filling out the form to the right.
Girard Gibbs is a national litigation firm representing consumers, investors, employees, and small businesses in cases involving consumer protection, personal injury, securities, antitrust, and employment laws. The firm’s senior partners, Daniel Girard and Eric Gibbs, have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 and Northern California Super Lawyers, and have earned AV-Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing them in the highest class of attorneys for professional ethics and legal skills.
