Posted By Chris Watson
Has anyone had any experience of this problem or have any ideas of what to do!

A company I am working with has two employees engaged (along with others) in handling and sorting printed documents. They are unable to wear ‘standard’ safety footwear. One has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the feet and as a consequence has toes that are disfigured, the other has very wide forefeet. Both have letters of verification from their GP’s.
It would appear that each employee will require custom made orthopaedic footwear costing in the region of £500 or more per pair - which is prohibitive.
Any idea if funding can be sourced or is there a possible solution to the problem?

Many thanks
Chris Watson

Posted By David Bannister
Hi Chris, why is safety footwear required?

Is it for these specific jobs or is it a general rule in the operation?

As Paul says, if these jobs present a significant risk to the employees toes etc then get out the cheque book.

If however, the safety footwear is needed due to other factors (maybe access through a more exposed area) have you thought about removing/reducing the risk?

David

Posted By Chris Watson
Hi all,

Many thanks for your responses.

In respect of David's comment the requirement for safety footwear comes under a general rule.

I'll try the the Access-to-Work Adviser as suggested by FJ (thanks).

Other than that it looks as though it's the full amount the company will have to pay.

Disability Discrimination Act notwithstanding we may in future be asking job applicants if they have any problems with their feet!!