Contents/Index

Scope
Overview
Responsibilities
Feet Protection Procedures

Identification of foot/feet hazards
Addressing hazards to feet
Footwear Protection Zones

Footwear

Provision and use
Fitting and care of footwear

Record keeping
Reimbursement
Medical consideration
History
Definitions
References

Appendices

A: Occupational Footwear Guide
B: Example of required footwear

1.             This procedure is based upon risk management principles with the aim to controlling hazards to the feet and to minimise the risk of work-related foot injuries and diseases.  This procedure is to ensure that feet are adequately protected from workplace hazards, and in certain circumstances the environment/workplace is protected against the footwear (e.g. clean rooms, animal house containment facilities, and environments ensuring sterility) by wearing overshoes.

2.             Foot hazards at the University should be eliminated where possible and otherwise controlled at the source, any residual risk minimised by the wearing of suitable footwear.

3.             Bare feet and the wearing of thongs should be discouraged, due to exposure of unprotected skin to harmful materials and surfaces around the urban environment, hazardous locations and personal hygiene considerations for other staff.

4.             It is a requirement that University management, staff, students, visitors and contractors shall comply with this hazard management procedure throughout all The Australian National University designated sites.  The procedure applies at all hours. 

Overview

Responsibilities

5.             University management are required to assess/re-assess workplace conditions to determine whether hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which need to be addressed or make the wearing of certain types of footwear necessary.  The budget area may specify the type of footwear to be worn, or determine what should not be worn (e.g. sandals, open toed shoes).

6.             Footwear safety procedures shall be supported from the highest levels of management from each Budget Area.

7.             Failure to comply with the footwear requirements shall lead to University management excluding individual/s from designated area/s.  Anyone who elects not to comply will be asked to leave the area.

8.             University management shall request that contractors be appropriately attired, which includes footwear.

9.             A Supervisor shall:

• Review the work environment and recommend corrective action to eliminate hazards to the feet;
• Recommend safety footwear (the OHS branch can assist in this process);
• Ensure that staff under their supervision: use, maintain, and wear safety footwear (in designated work areas) that meets the requirements of the workplace, and
• Make determination on the need for replacement or repair of protective footwear.

10.         Staff shall:

• Wear University provided or approved footwear in Foot Protection Zones;
• Provide reasonable care and maintenance of their footwear;
• Regularly inspect their footwear to ensure the durability of the shoe's protective properties;
• Alternate the wearing of shoes to reduce fungal and bacterial flora;
• Ensure that shoes provided as Personal Protective Equipment at the workplace are not worn for activities away from work. Shoes may be worn to and from work;
• Report loss or damage which may affect the protective properties for which the footwear was designed; and
• Employees whose job assignments do not normally expose them to foot hazards, but who must occasionally enter areas where safety shoes are to be worn, shall as a minimum wear appropriate general footwear.

11.         Intentional misuse/damage to safety footwear may result in disciplinary action.

12.         The OHS Branch is available to assist with safety shoe requirements, compliance with relevant Australian standards and other aspects regarding this procedure.

FEET PROTECTION PROCEDURES

Identification of hazards to the feet

13.         The type of protection measures and footwear required will depend on the circumstances.  Hazards will differ from workplace to workplace, and the different type/s of tasks undertaken.  A risk management strategy [4] should be employed to consider the hazards, the assessed risk (likelihood and consequences), and possible control methods integrating various approaches.  The workplace should be regularly examined and re-assessed.

14.         Causes of foot/feet injuries may occur when the feet are exposed to;

• hazardous chemicals;
• penetrating objects through the sole or upper;
• falling, rolling, cutting objects;
• heat and molten metal (e.g. welding);
• hot cooking fluids including fat, oil, water;
• electrical sources;
• radiation;
• slips and falls;
• tearing forces resulting in de-gloving (epidermis pulled away from the feet);
• excessive vibration;
• explosive sources;
• cryogenic fluids; and
• long periods of standing can lead to foot problems. The human foot is designed for mobility, so if you are required to maintain an upright enduring stance, this can lead to misalignment and inflammation of the joints and bones resulting in pain.

15.         Improving footwear safety significantly reduces the incidence and severity of injuries to the feet resulting from puncture, crush, and industrial accidents, BUT the footwear must also be comfortable.

Addressing hazards to the feet -

16.         The hierarchy of controls can be applied to the feet protection and footwear measures.  Some suggestions to reduce feet injuries, and address appropriate footwear include:

Elimination

Removing the hazard from the workplace.  E.g. Improved housekeeping to remove swarf from the workshop floor.

Substitution

Anti-fatigue matting can also be useful wherever staff have to stand or walk to provide a cushioning that reduces foot fatigue.  Where resilient floors are not practical, footwear with thick, insulating soles and shock-absorbing insoles can provide additional comfort.

Isolation

Separate mobile equipment (e.g. pallet jacks) from pedestrian traffic. Enclose hazardous machinery and processes.

Engineering control

Standing or working on a hard, unyielding floor can cause a lot of discomfort.  Floor covering that provides some flexibility i.e. wood, cork, carpeting, or rubber, is gentler on the feet. Guarding of machinery to prevent foot access and preventing material falling into feet.

Administrative control

Revise work practices where possible, a worker should be able to work sitting or standing at will.  When work can only be done while standing, a seat should be provided for resting purposes.

Good job design includes varying the tasks, requiring changes in body position and the use of different muscles.  Such as;

• Job rotation: Move staff to distribute the standing and shorten the time each individual spends standing.
• Job enlargement: Increase the variety of tasks to increase the variety of body movement and positions lessening the chance of foot problems developing.
• Rest breaks: Help to alleviate foot problems where redesigning jobs is impractical. Frequent short breaks are preferable to fewer but longer breaks.

For standing jobs, an adjustable work surface is recommended.

A foot-rail or footrest enables the worker to shift weight from one leg to the other.  This ability reduces the stress on the lower legs and feet.

17.         Where reducing the hazards to feet does not achieve a satisfactory reduction in risk of injury, protective footwear should be considered.

18.         These areas become a ‘Foot Protection Zone'.

Personal Protective Equipment

19.         The appropriate footwear that provides adequate protection and comfort shall be chosen for the task(s). 

20.         Further guidance can be found below and in Appendices A and B.

Footwear Protection Zones

21.         The wearing of protective footwear is mandatory within any scheduled hazardous location as listed in the University's hazard management procedure for ‘Control of Access to Hazardous and Restricted Locations' procedure [1] (sections 2.1 and 2.2) and additionally where prescribed as a necessary control measure following a risk assessment.

22.         The risk assessment is an important element of a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program because it produces the information needed to select the appropriate PPE for any hazards present, or likely to be present, at particular workplaces.  In general, protective footwear should be worn to reduce injuries to the feet.

23.         Tasks and areas that create foot hazards and therefore require the use of approved footwear include, but are not limited to:

• warehousing and storage including libraries;
• shipping and receiving goods;
• powered and non-powered material handling devices;
• handling of heavy objects;
• hoist and crane operation;
• cylinder and drum handling;
• forklift use and palleting;
• walking on uneven tracks or areas of scrub;
• maintenance and servicing;
• construction and demolition sites;
• moving plant and equipment;
• machinery/equipment ejected objects/work pieces;
• machinery/equipment that cuts, crushes, bounces;
• work on roofs;
• electrical work;
• laboratories;
• hazardous substances handling;
• fieldwork;
• gardening; and
• traversing from non-protective zone into protective zone.

24.         Employees whose job assignments do not normally expose them to foot hazards, but who must occasionally enter areas where safety shoes are required to be worn, shall wear appropriate general footwear (e.g. shoes with the following properties - abrasion resistant, water repellent, stable, slip resistant) to protect their feet.

25.         Specialised footwear is required to be supplied at the location, or when required.  E.g. Overshoes for access to a clean room should be provided at the entrance to a clean room.

26.         Occupational protective footwear - is required for all occupations undertaking maintenance, trade and servicing, in workshop areas, plant areas, areas under construction/refurbishment, stores, commercial kitchens and laundries, and field trips for the purpose of geological/ agricultural/engineering activities.  These groups should wear safety footwear with toe protection.

27.         For standing or walking long periods people should wear supportive, enclosed footwear additional properties can be found in Appendix A.

28.         All people working in laboratories shall wear enclosed footwear.  When working in chemical laboratories people shall wear enclosed footwear that is resistant to spills of hazardous substances.

FOOTWEAR

Provision and Use

29.         All work footwear, for both men and women, whether it is safety wear or not, should provide comfort without compromising protective value.  In addition, protective footwear should conform to AS/NZS 2210.1 Occupational protective footwear-Guide to selection, care and use.

• A toecap should cover the whole length of the toes. A soft pad covering the edge of the toecap increases comfort. If the toecap cuts into the foot, either the size or style of the footwear is incorrect;
• Soles come in a variety of thicknesses and materials. They need to be chosen according to the hazards and type(s) of flooring in the workplace;
• Uppers of protective footwear come in a variety of materials. Selection should take into account the hazards, and individual characteristics of the worker's foot;
• Steel mid-soles, which protects the foot against penetration by sharp objects, should be flexible enough to allow the foot to bend; and
• No one type of non-slip footwear can prevent the wearer from slipping on every surface type. Appropriate care is still required.

30.         Managers and supervisors should ensure that all purchase requests reflect the required shoe classification.  Staff must provide written proof from the manufacturer/supplier to the manager or supervisor of the Budget Area that shoes purchased meet the required classification.  Such proof shall be kept on file in the Budget Area.

Fitting and care of footwear

31.         Good footwear should have the following qualities:

• The inner side of the shoe must be straight from the heel to the end of the big toe;
• The shoe must grip the heel firmly, and doesn't slip when walking;
• The forepart must allow freedom of movement for the toes;
• The shoe must have a fastening across the instep to prevent the foot from slipping when walking;
• The shoe must have a low, wide-based heel;
• Have feet measured for correct size and fitting whilst standing. Correctly fitted footwear should not need to be ‘broken in';
• Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size;
• Ask a doctor's advice if properly fitting shoes are not available;
• Consider using shock-absorbing insoles where the job requires walking or standing on hard floors; and
• Ensure the protective footwear meets the requirements of the workplace protective properties.

32.         When selecting footwear, one should remember that tight socks or stockings could cramp the toes as much as poorly fitted shoes.  Wrinkled socks, or socks that are too large or too small, can cause blisters. 

33.         Maintain good foot hygiene by keeping the feet and footwear clean, washing and thoroughly drying feet daily, and changing socks daily.  Fungal infections may result if the feet remain moist.  Please refer to hazard alert Number 33 Fungal infection of nails [3].

34.         Store footwear in a cool, clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.  Under no circumstances should alterations be made to protective footwear.

Record keeping

35.         The information that was used for assessing the risks for an area should be documented.

36.         Staff must provide written proof from the manufacturer/supplier to the manager or supervisor of the Budget Area that the shoes purchased meet the required classification.  Such proof shall be kept on file in the Budget Area.

Reinbursement

37.         The ANU Enterprise Agreement may be consulted regarding the reimbursement of protective clothing including footwear.  In general, the OHS Act requires, that where a staff member is required by the University to wear a uniform or protective clothing, including clothing for protection from the elements, the uniform or protective clothing will be supplied and maintained by the University.

38.         Staff may be given the option to pay the difference of the cost between a basic shoe, meeting the requirements of the workplace protective properties recommended by the Budget Area, and that of a shoe which a staff member personally requests, as long as the safety footwear meets the requirements of the workplace protective properties. 

Medical consideration

39.         Staff required to wear occupational protective footwear as part of their employment and who are unable to wear the footwear for medical reasons, must provide their supervisor with a medical certificate from their Medical Practitioner, stating the diagnosis and expected timeframe of the condition.  This may require the supervisor responsible to contact the OHS Branch to discuss reasonable adjustment (suitable duties).

History

40.         This hazard management procedure was issued in July 2008.  The Hazard Management Procedure was prepared by the OHS Branch, reviewed by the OHS Policy Committee and University staff and management.  The procedure was reviewed by the OHS Policy Committee at its May 2008 meeting, and approved by the Director, Human Resources on 8 July 2008.

Definitions

Budget Unit - refers to College, School, Faculty, Division, Department, Cost Centre or Unit designated by the Vice-Chancellor as responsible for an activity of the University.

(Occupational) Protective footwear - also known as safety shoes or safety boots, are footwear which conform to the Australian Standard 2210.1 ‘Occupational Protective Footwear' and are marked with the Australian Standard's approval symbol.

General Footwear - Typical general footwear would be a well-made, low heeled, fully enclosed shoe designed to protect the feet and limit slipping.  The footwear upper should be made from synthetic, leather, canvas or combination, to achieve the desired protection from the work undertaken (e.g. protection maybe required from chemicals, heat, cold, cuts and abrasions).

Hazardous and restricted locations - As defined in the ANU OHS Hazard Management Procedure for the ‘Control of Access to Hazardous and Restricted Locations' [1].

Other Footwear -Includes fashion sandals or other open toe shoes, high heels, cloth shoes, sneakers/runners and leather-soled shoes.

Specialised footwear - required for specialised tasks.  For example:

• electrical workers working with electricity in excess of 600 volts, requiring insulating shoes or rubber boots;
• welders requiring further protection of the leg and feet by wearing spats protecting the lower leg and foot/footwear; and
• clean room overshoes.

Footwear Protection Zone - Areas or equipment identified/known as having or posing the risk of injury to feet due to the nature of the equipment or process being undertaken.  These areas should be clearly identified by labelling.  In addition falling or moving objects, or protrusions from the floor should be marked.

References

[1]  http://info.anu.edu.au/Policies/_DHR/Procedures/Hazardous_and_Restricted_Locations.asp

[2]  Australian Standard - AS/NZS 2210.1:1994 Occupational protective footwear-Guide to selection, care and use

[3]  http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/OHS/Hazard_Alerts/index.asp

[4]  ANU Risk Management http://info.anu.edu.au/Policies/_DRMA/Policies/Risk_Management.asp

Appendices

A:   Occupational Footwear Guide

Occupational protective footwear is classified into four types.  The materials of construction used in protective footwear vary depending on the rated duty.  The parameters include grade of protective toecap, thickness of the upper materials, type of upper material, and thickness and type of soling material.  Type 1 provides the greater protection.

Note:  Any doubt as to the suitability of any individual footwear specification contact the manufacturer for further clarification.

Solvent-resistant outsoles should be used where degradation of the outsole would otherwise occur through contact with organic solvents.

Penetration resistant mid-soles should be used where foot injuries due to penetration through the sole are likely.  But also consider eliminating the hazard from the area.

Electricity conductive properties should be used where it is necessary to minimize electrostatic build-up by dissipating electrostatic charges to earth through constant contact with a conductive floor.

Anti-static properties should be used where a slower rate of discharge is required when compared with electricity conductive properties.  For anti-static purposes, the discharge path through footwear should have an electrical resistance of less than 50 M�??.

Special requirements.  If doubt exists concerning the suitability of individual footwear, additional advice should be sought from the manufacturer or the footwear supplier.

B:   Examples of Required Footwear

The following type of footwear may be appropriate for the work undertaken or area:

Please note: ‘socks and sandals' do not provide any protective function and should not be worn in hazardous locations.

An area may modified these recommendation based on assessed risks.