How am I supposed to handle a coworker who smells like they haven't showered in weeks?

I’ve been on sites for fifteen years and you’re definitely not being soft; some guys honestly just don't have a concept of laundry or basic maintenance. It’s usually not the sweat from that day that kills you, it’s the **fermented funk** of a hoodie or high-vis vest that hasn't seen a washing machine in three weeks. You’ll see guys who live out of their trucks or are dealing with some heavy alcoholism, and the smell of old beer and stale sweat coming out of their pores is enough to make anyone gag in a tight space like a lift. You don't have to just suffer through it, but you have to be tactical about how you bring it up. Since you're the new guy, going directly to him might start a conflict you don't want. Instead, pull your lead or foreman aside and keep it about safety and productivity. Tell them the smell is literally making you nauseous to the point where you can't focus on the task in the lift. A good foreman has had this "talk" a dozen times before. They can frame it as a general reminder about hygiene or pull the guy aside privately so it doesn't come directly from you. The reality is that construction attracts all types, and some people just never learned the basics. I worked with a guy once who thought a "shower" was just standing under the water for two minutes without soap. And then there are the guys who think wearing the same pair of jeans for a month straight is a badge of honor. It’s a culture thing for some, but it’s mostly just laziness or a complete lack of self-awareness.

If you’re stuck in a scissor lift, that’s a confined space issue. You can try the "passive-aggressive" route of keeping some Vicks VapoRub under your nose, but honestly, speaking to the lead is the move. It’s a professional environment even if it’s a dirty one, and nobody should have to dry-heave while they're trying to pull wire or hang ductwork.

I dealt with a guy like this on a residential gut last summer. Sour milk and old boots. What worked for me was clipping a high-powered battery fan to my side of the lift. It doesn't fix his laundry, but it keeps the air moving away from your face. I also started leaving a can of that industrial-strength Ozium spray right by the shared tool bucket and used it every time he stepped out for a smoke. He eventually got the hint when I handed him a pack of heavy-duty body wipes and said 'these things are a lifesaver in this heat.' He didn't get offended, just started using them.

I honestly didn't think this was a thing I'd have to worry about when I signed up for this trade. I’m still learning the ropes and trying to keep my own gear organized, but now I’m paranoid I might be 'that guy' without even realizing it. Is there some kind of unspoken rule about how often you're supposed to clean the heavy gear? I usually just wash my clothes once a week, but what about stuff like tool belts or boots? Do you guys actually wash your boots or is there a specific spray everyone uses? I don't want to ask my lead and sound like an idiot.

Back in the 80s we didn't dance around it. If a guy stunk, someone woud just hang a Little Trees air freshener on his tool belt while he was at lunch. Message received. These days guys are too worried about HR, but honesty is still the best tool in the box. Most of the time it's those old leather work boots that never got a chance to dry out. I still swear by stuffing them with newspaper every night to suck the dampness out—learned that from my old man. If you're in a lift with him, just tell him his gear is 'off.' He might be embarrassed, but the rest of the crew will thank you.

Oh man, I just started my first week as an apprentice and I am loving every second of it so far! The smell hasn't hit me too bad yet, but I'm definatly worried about becoming the smelly guy since I'm sweating bullets under all this equipment.

Speaking of gear, I'm super curious about the belt situation. Does anyone know if those nylon padded belts stay cooler than the heavy leather ones? I feel like I'm wearing a sauna around my waist and I relly don't want to start my own funk before I even learn how to use a hammer properly!

Quick update — I looked at his gear after the 'fermented funk' comment and his high-vis vest is definatly the culprit. I tried the battery fan trick in the lift today and it helped keep the air moving, but it's still heavy. Is it too much to try the Little Trees move? I don't want to cause a scene, but those boots are rough.