Footwear

Part of an employer’s workplace safety and health responsibilities is ensuring that workers are not in pain or discomfort. Pain can take focus away from the task at hand. When that happens, injuries and accidents are more likely to occur. A comfortable worker can be more productive and engaged in the workplace.

According to Part 6 of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (WSH Regulation), it is the role of the employer to determine the appropriate protection required for worker’s feet and ankles based on the assigned work. It’s also the job of the employer to ensure each worker wears appropriate footwear. Three major considerations determine the criteria for appropriate footwear:

Safety – The risk of punctures, crushing, sprains, lacerations, and exposure to wetness, chemicals and electrical current. The footwear required for protection must meet the requirements of the CSA Standard Z195-02, Protective Footwear, and CSA Standard Z195.1-02, Guideline on selection, care, and use of protective footwear (WSH Regulation, Part 6.12 (2)).

Risk of slips and falls – The recommended footwear should provide adequate fit and support, and have good traction.

Comfort – Reducing foot-related injuries caused by a number of comfort-related issues. These include inadequate support and how it relates to sustained standing or prolonged walking, and exposure to the elements such as wetness, heat and cold. Recommended footwear in this category needs to consider comfort factors such as arch and ankle support, waterproofing, ventilation, warmth and foot problems such as blisters, callouses and bunions.

The following are prevention measures a workplace can take:

• Employers should incorporate comfort measures into their footwear policy.
• Employers can provide educational materials detailing what to look for when choosing footwear to accommodate existing conditions, improve ankle and arch support, and ensure proper fit.
• Controls such as job rotation, breaks or specialized anti-fatigue equipment may be incorporated in jobs where hazards such as hard flooring or prolonged standing or walking are present.
• If workers are exposed to wet, dampness or extreme temperatures as part of the job, employers may consider implementing engineering measures, such as ventilation or waterproofing.
• If engineering controls are not possible, education on appropriate footwear to keep feet comfortable should be provided.