is there any reg / legislation (HSE or otherwise) that states the guidelines for the wearing of footwear in the office. there seams to be the chosen few that think its OK to walk around the office in bare feet.not to the liking of most.

I'm working from home today - and so wandering around my 'office' barefooted! A random fact from my capoeira life: In some cultures in Brazil footwear is seen as a form of distinction between the middle classes and slaves - as slaves couldn't afford shoes and were often barefooted. the wearing of shoes is therefore a status symbol! However the beach styles of capoeira encourage bare feet as it puts one in touch with nature and allows us to escape the social norms and be free! Ironic... My point as above - is this a safety question - or a social norm question? If the latter don't go on holiday to Totnes!!!!

The Director with responsibility for health & safety in my business doesn't wear shoes in his own office. He's also the H/R Director! This isn't really a H&S issue unless there is a LEGITIMATE risk. It would be unfortunate if, again, 'Elf'n Safety' were blamed for a decision based on someone's personal (dislikes/beliefs/preferences/etc./ delete as appropriate) and not on a tangible hazard. If you want to stop it happening because other people don't like it, say so. Please don't cause more damage to our profession by trying to use H&S as an excuse. Rant off. :-)

The HSE Mythbusters Panel need look no further for new cases

As long as it's only one person, I doubt that infection from veruccas is going to occur! Unless others make a habit of walking on their hands, or rubbing their faces along the ground. Ditto for athletes foot.. However, the bare-footed-employee may have problems from dirt left by contaminated footwear. Hopefully, he/she has minimal foot odor!

Bare feet may well be less offensive that socks/tights/empty smelly shoes.

IB, of course I'm not sure, that's why I said "may well be" Any offence I would take is from odour. Bare feet generally don't smell bad after they've had a chance to be aired - it's the socks, hosiery and shoes that tend to stink in my experience - that's my evidence. So far as shedding etc is concerned I have no knowledge and therefore must prostrate myself before your superiority.

Elf ‘n’ Safety. Ridiculed if you do, but still just that little bit worried about being sued/prosecuted if you don’t? Common sense, like fair play is too subjective a concept to be relied upon, especially in court. They both stand on ever shifting sand, subject to the whim of fickle media-driven public opinion. For a definitive guide on where the law stands on bare feet in the office at this precise moment in time, contact one of the army of compensation law firms whose representatives line our high streets and advertise their services across the media; say you’re incapacitated as a result of some form of foot rot resulting from standing on a drawing pin, splintered floor board, carpet fitting (or whatever) while bare foot in your employer's office. If they’re biting your hand off to take up your case, you have your answer!

Haven't any of you watched die hard 1, he'll be in bother if the terrorists shoot the glass.

Graham B What would you expect to catch from vomitus via the skin of your feet? For several practical, biological, immunological and physiological reasons I can't think of any, save in the most improbable of circumstances. I'd be far more concerned about stepping onto a thumbtack, or stubbing my toe on the photocopier.

I would argue that it is NOT reasonable for anyone to be barefoot in the workplace. The natural exceptions are where it is expected, i.e. swimming pool lifeguard or similar. Smell, hygiene, infection, hazards...? How did we ever make it out of the primordial soup?

Out of interest, can all these people that find bare feet unacceptable confirm that they enforce a requirement for all staff to wear gloves 100% of the time?

Let's try a silly question. Is the office designed and maintained to be used by barefooted people? They may exist but are certainly not commonplace and I can't recall anything specific in the various building standards etc. That suggests that the default design position is that people normally wear footwear when moving around? Thus, people who try to work barefooted are using their workplace improperly, are they not? Is that any different than using a machine or tool in a manner for which it was not designed. If an employee was doing the latter and their employer failed to intervene? Where is the systems difference? I don't see it. So if you want your line managers to manage it as H&S, I say go ahead on that basis. Do you or they really need to know the DETAIL of the types of hazards or their risk profiles anymore than an operative on a machine needs to understand the design parameters and engineering design controls. Or do they both simply need to understand how to use it properly? Ergo, always use things properly because if you don't then you are ignoring the risk controls applied to protect you. Anyone know how an office for barefooted employees might be designed differently? If there are none that might suggest that the risks are insignificant and thus no issues with barefooted employees. If there are then ----------? p48 (who always sits at his desk with shoes removed-shame on him!)

Oh my goodness 1) news readers are naked from the waist down 2) never trust someone who isn't wearing sock suspenders, a knitted tie and leather elbow patches 3).... I am glad there are a few breaking the stereo type!

What I would like to know is has anyone in that office complained about the smell! There must be some environmental fallout surely?

Off topic I know but...Did you know... and this is true... Put it to the test.. Electricians who wear a blue sock on the left foot, a red sock on the right and a swimmers nose clamp are immune from death by electric shock. The statistics prove this. Not one electrician has ever been recorded as dying dressed like this so it must be right?

I am considering placing a sign over the entrance asking; "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" Some people seem to think that work is just an extension to their social/personal life and if I can do it at home I can do it in work. FYI dont particularly have much opinion on being bare foot eitherway, provided its a safe environment to do so and their are no objections from others. I often give my feet a rest from the shoes but I dont share an office. I am currently sitting in the office in a suit and safety boots. Need to break them in!! :-)