Posted By Xtremepmt Should the employer be expected to provide flip flops? Due to the nature of the working environment, showers are provided for operators to 'shower off' at the end of shift or indeed during their shift if they feel the need. There are 6 shifts of operators. One shift however has been using product bags on the floors in and around showers for when they are stepping in and out of the showers and surrounding walkways. This creates not only the obvious slip/trip hazards, mess and unhygenic practices. All the other shifts use flip flops in these areas that they have supplied them selves to prevent direct foot to floor contact (to prevent foot infections such as veruccas etc. This is the idea behind the bags used on the floor. They have been informed that this practise is unacepatble and the reasons for it. How ever - how far is an employer expected to go? Are flip flops PPE? Is it unreasonable for the employee to think for themselves and to supply their own flip flops? When i go to the swimming baths/gym - i have to provide my own......Suggestions and thoughts welcome

Posted By Tabs As long as you have a good cleaning regime and the floors are not too slippery, then I would agree that flip-flops are for the individual to supply. Are the bags just for avoiding disease though? I am not sure a foot coming into contact with a bag is any less likely to pick up an infection from other feet touching the same bag than on a floor. Perhaps even more so as the bags will not be giving up the dirt during your floor wash. If you permit the continuance, and someone trips on the bags, you will have problems.

Posted By jervis Surely or employer could provide some sort of matting, if they provide a shower then they should make sure its safe to get in and out.

Posted By Xtremepmt Just to clarify - the 'bags' are being put down on the floors when preparing for showering by a couple of individuals only - and only because they were concerned that they might 'catch something' from the floor. The flooring itself is suitable for the environment (used in gyms and showering areas up and down the counntry) and only 3 months old and cleaned daily. Have suggested they could use Flip flops as other operators that prefer to wear them already do. I just wanted to clarify if the employer should provide flip flops as PPE or should the employee provide his/her own if that is what their preference is. Am concerned that the employer could potentially be charged with supplying everything and anything if a connection to H&S can be made..... (we already supply towels and shower gels etc......shall i go the whole hog and supply fluffy towelling robes too :) )

Posted By safetyamateur What I'm saying is that the flip-flops might cancel out whatever slip resistance properties the floor has. This might be a bigger problem than the cost of the footwear.

Posted By Jim Tassell (2) The National Coal Board issued flip flops to all miners over 30 years ago to cut down on foot infections which were leading to significant health problems. I seem to recall that they cut infections by over 90%. Think sideways - were this an issue of cutting down infection transmitted to staff from patients in care situations we wouldn't have a moment's hesitation in calling the flip flops PPE and requiring their use particularly given evidence like that from the NCB. I think you would be justified in taking a robust line regarding their provision and use. Thinking of towels, enlightened employers who look after cyclists well provide clean towels for them to use when they shower on their arrival at work. Could you really get away with insisting that employees must shower without providing them with the basic wherewithal to do so? Conjures up various vivid images that the Moderator might red pencil I think!