P&O work clothes
Maker
Hard Yakka
Datec 2008
Object number00047898
NameShirt
MediumCotton
DimensionsClothing size: 3X0S
Overall: 890 x 860 mm
Overall: 890 x 860 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dennis Duyker
DescriptionYellow and blue P&O safety shirt.HistoryDennis Duyker worked on the Melbourne waterfront for P&O for many years until 2009. These work clothes were issued to him just before he finished working due to illness.
Previous to this style of safety uniform with bright flourescent colours, workers were issued with safety vests, which were not worn consistently. Thus these clothes integrated the safety material into work clothes, rather than as a separate item.
SignificanceThe P&O work clothes highlight the evolution of waterfront workers clothing and are examples of efforts to integrate safety vests into work uniforms.early 20th Century