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#1 Posted : 28 January 2008 19:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Martin Taylor
Probably not as exciting as some of you think but what do all you posters working in industrial and distribution environments think towards allowing the wearing of high heels on site.

Our site is both industrial and distribution but also hosts a significant office population.

If we can manage safe pedestrian routes between the offices and other nominated areas e.g. canteen, site offices and even possibly first aid stations why should we not allow the wearing of high heels

Martin
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#2 Posted : 29 January 2008 07:25:00(UTC)
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Posted By Bob Youel

Your employer can create as many policies as they want about as many subjects as they like e.g. high-heels may be disliked by a policy maker hence the 'do not wear policy'!

Its where H&Safety is blamed that policies must be answerable,
so as for the thinking [and possibly the risk assessments etc behind the high heels policy
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#3 Posted : 29 January 2008 09:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By Trevor Siddoway
Martin,

All policies will be different based on the level of risk (stair types, expansion gaps on floors etc.). As a manufacturing facility our policy states:

"Footwear other than safety shoes are not provided by the Company, however sensible and sober non slip footwear must be worn at all times, heels must not exceed 5cm in length and must be a minimum of 2.5cm in diameter, no open toe shoes or open back shoes are to be worn."

Most people elect for flat shoes and those in offices tend to adhere to the rules. To date we have not had a problem (I may be tempting fate here!).

Trevor
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#4 Posted : 29 January 2008 09:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By Richie
My view is that unless there is a genuine reason for doing so, the curtailing of personal wear will only lead to resentment in the workforce, leading to non compliance concerning the personal wear, but also sowing the seed for non compliance in critical areas.

I always emphasise to my management and workforce that they will not find any safety-evangelists on our site. Any management system (or individual) requirements are in place to safeguard specific hazards.

Apart from that, I love high heels. They brighten my day.

Richie
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#5 Posted : 29 January 2008 09:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By Aileen
Hi Martin

You hit the nail on the head yourself, really. If you manage safe pedestrian routes, then I don't see the problem.

Your policy could easily define the areas where high heels are absolutely not permitted, backed up with signage of you wish, but to ban them completely from the office area will probably breed a certain amount of resentment and almost certainly earn Health & Safety yet another black mark, which we could well do without.

Hope this helps.

Aileen
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#6 Posted : 29 January 2008 14:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Dowan
I only wear them on the weekends
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#7 Posted : 29 January 2008 16:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Fred Pratley
Do I take you already have a sucessful footwear policy (formal or otherwise) in place that effectively bans high heels?

If so, stick with it and don't consider making special provisions or safe paths.

Allow high heels and the 1st claim will start "Well, they said it was safe for me to wear these at work" -

Surely if you genuinely think its safe, the question would not have been posted?

As much as I like 'em (on the right person!), its not worth it at work!
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#8 Posted : 29 January 2008 21:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By Martin Taylor
Thanks for the feedback so far - a very interesting mix of for and against.

Just to be clear I have no issue in the offices but i do have concerns externally and have not previously worked on a site where anything other then sensible flat shoes would be tolerated.

I would like to hear from industrial site where high heels are allowed and what measures are taken to protect the individual from injury and the company from litigation should an accident happen

cheers for the comments so far please keep them coming

Martin
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#9 Posted : 29 January 2008 23:03:00(UTC)
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Posted By Barry Cooper
High heels and flip flops
Accidents have occurred with both, so our policy states "sensible footwear". High heels and flip flops prohibited unless sat at their desk

Found them very comfortable myself

Barry
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