Get a foot hold
November 1st 2005

The use of safety footwear in the workplace is often seen as a complex issue yet, as Steve Savage MIOSH explains, it really doesn't need to be if risk assessments are carried out and appropriate action taken

It's common in the workplace to hear employees saying that their safety footwear is uncomfortable. A good employer will take this seriously and see what they can do to help ease the discomfort.

As an employer, or a safety and health professional, you should be asking why the footwear is uncomfortable. It could be that it's the wrong type of footwear for the job, which is why it is important to carry out a risk assessment before deciding which type of footwear is appropriate.

Footwear needs to protect against a variety of hazards, including chemicals, oils and acids, sharp objects and water.

You need to consider whether it needs to be non-slip, or anti-static, or whether it needs to guard against extremes of temperature. Finally, you should always look again and ask whether safety footwear is actually required? For instance, in a factory office there is still a risk of something dropping onto an employee's foot, but safety footwear may not be necessary. However, for a task on the shop floor where objects of some weight could be dropped and potentially cause significant injury, safety footwear is not just a good idea, it is a requirement.

There should be no excuse for failing to wear safety footwear when it is required. Manufacturers have a full range of shoes, trainers and boots in a range of fashions that should suit most workers. It makes sense for employers to have an 'approved range', which allows individuals to choose a style that they are happy to wear.

It's also worth bearing in mind that safety footwear may not actually be the cause of discomfort. Some people could have a medical issue which makes wearing certain types of footwear uncomfortable. In these instances, you should be referring the individual to an occupational health practitioner for advice.

The type of sock worn can also be an issue and create discomfort. Socks can sometimes be too thick, but stockings or tights can be too thin. To solve this, provide instruction on the type of socks to be worn for maximum comfort when the footwear is issued.

If footwear is laced too tightly, or not tightly enough, that can cause discomfort.

The provision of an innersole might rectify the problems, and is cheaper than purchasing another pair of shoes or boots.

If the employer has identified safety footwear as necessary, via a risk assessment process, then it is a safety precaution and as such, the employee cannot refuse to wear it. Employers should consult with staff during risk assessment and provide an approved range of footwear. Then, if an employee fails to wear their safety footwear, they are failing to comply with the safety policy of the organisation and are therefore liable to disciplinary procedures. An employer could also be open to claims of failing to adhere to its own risk assessment and safety policy if they allow the individual to work without the safety footwear.

If safety footwear is mandatory and identified as a risk control measure, the employer must supply it free of charge to the employee, and this includes free maintenance, even including laces.

When an employee complains about the safety footwear provided, it is prudent for the employer or safety and health practitioner to do everything possible to rectify the problem - otherwise the employee could have grounds to claim for injury.

However, if the employee doesn't tell their employer, then how does the employer know there is a problem? It is important, therefore, that a known procedure is put in place by the employer for staff members to follow if they have difficulties with any safety equipment.

Even with normal footwear, it needs to be remembered that there is a possibility of rubbing until the footwear has been 'broken in'. Explain this to employees ' if the footwear is unsuitable it will become apparent very quickly.

Some employers have tried to implement 'disclaimers' into their workplace, but these aren't worth the paper they are written on. It is like saying: 'I know there is a significant risk of injury, I've made suitable arrangements to reduce this risk, and the wearing of safety footwear is necessary to further lower this risk. However, in your case, I'll make an exception so long as you promise not to sue me if I cut your toes off.'

Safety footwear is like any other form of PPE ' it is either needed or it is not, no exceptions. If an employer identifies a specific requirement to wear personal protective footwear, then it is up to the employer to enforce this decision. It is difficult to get safety footwear right every time, but if you identify the need, consult employees, provide advice to them, and enforce the wearing of the footwear properly, most problems should be resolved.

Steve Savage MBE, gained his experience of footwear issues during a long and varied career in the Infantry. He is currently safety advisor to a manufacturing company that supplies tier-one support to customers in the motor industry.

Steve is a member of IOSH, an organisation that represent more than 27 000 safety and health professionals in more than 50 countries.

An independent, not-for-profit organisation, it regulates and steers the profession, maintaining standards and providing impartial, advice on safety and health issues.

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