You did not mention which kind of boots - with Wellington's I would suggest it is common practice to tuck trousers or coveralls inside the boot in all industry and domestic life. Have you actually asked the workers why they undertake this practice you personally believe to be wrong? I feel your question is targeted at rigger style boots so have a few thoughts on the practice: 1) it is less problematic slipping off the footwear in the event of a water entry - wet coveralls sticking to the boot surface hampering removal 2) it keeps the end of the coveralls protected from water and other contaminants on the work site during the shift so reducing cross contamination during removal 3) it reduces the possibility to wick contaminants up the leg of the wearer

It would help to know what type of Boots we're taking about here. for example if a welder did this then hot spatter could roll down their coveralls and get inside the boot, Like wise and oil leak or spray or even water would end up inside their boot.

I would expect a lace up would be tight against the ankle, even a hybrid with side zip - your post intimates they are being worn loose. Not surprisingly it is difficult to locate manufacturer/supplier instruction on how to actually put on footwear to be worn as designed PPE although they will provide guidance on how to care for the equipment. What does your incident/accident system identify in relation to your concerns (number, severity etc.) I.e. is it significant and justifiable? Are the boots the real issue or is it the coveralls? Perhaps they are being tucked in to prevent open legs snagging on the scaffold clamps and other items as they work - here a change to elasticated or Velcro fastening may be part of the answer.

Thanks for the help there guys. Food for thought. We have had no incidents as a result of this practice but i felt that the risk was great enough to look into the issue and take proactive action rather than sit back and wait for an injury to happen. I will research the issue further, have a chat with the personnel involved as to their reasons for tucking in their coverall legs and and try to come to a reasonable decision hence the reason i was searching for some industry guidance or HSE guidance on the matter to balance out the argument for and against. Many Thanks

I wouldn't consider this practice to pose a serious risk and I understand it might be more convenient for scaffolders to do it. If it was welding/grinding/sawing/handling chemicals/etc. than that's a different story. If they cut pipes to size occasionally, it shouldn't be an issue (they probably do it while kneeling anyway?).

I find that hard to believe, given the ongoing low oil price....

Once again, thanks for all the feedback. Catching the legs of the overalls wouldn't be an issue with the design of the boiler suits. I have had a chat with the individuals involved and they are in agreement with me that it would be better to have the overall legs over the boots....... eventually.