" should I also provide them with “safe” clothes and boots? Should I make sure they don’t have underwear that chafes? Where does personal responsibility come in?"

While avoiding the other politics of this issue, I just wanted to point out that where employees are responsible for their own clothing and gear, they have the option of ensuring their own comfort and safety beyond the minimum standards -- pointing the finger at the employer, then, is of course petty since responsibility for various tools/equipment is discussed and agreed to as terms of employment.

Where the issue arises is where the article in question is company-provided and REQUIRED, by the company, to be worn, no substitutions. If you REQUIRE your employees to wear COMPANY-LOGO underwear, you should ensure it does not chafe. [Linked Image]