A female landscaper in Sydney has raised concerns about workplace rules during extreme heat. On a 40°C day, male workers were allowed to work without shirts, while she was told she had to keep hers on.
The worker, Shianne Fox, said the rule was unfair. She questioned why different standards apply to men and women doing the same physical work. She said being told she would be “distracting” shifts responsibility onto women instead of treating workers equally.
The issue quickly spread online and drew mixed reactions. Some people agreed that rules should be the same for everyone, especially during dangerous heat. Others said dress codes exist to maintain a professional workplace, even in hot conditions.
Some women in the trades also disagreed with her approach. They said she does not speak for all female workers and worried the focus on clothing could harm how women in the industry are viewed. The discussion has reopened broader questions about fairness, safety, and equal treatment in male-dominated jobs.