Posted By Bill Elliott Raj - it depends - what sector of the industry?- are there heavy items likely to fall? - is the facility temperature critical? - is a non slip sole necessary? - is anti static necessary? - do the shoes need to be washable? - is the colour of the shoe an issue? - Yes they would preferably be smooth and laceless for ease of cleaning but there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account including ability to be resistant to oil and heat for example.

Posted By John Sharp Raj This may sound a somewhat obvious answer- why not contact a safety footwear supplier and obtain information on the range and type of footwear available. They will be able to give colours, lace up, slip on etc. As the previous response, you need to have some idea of what you want the footwear for. Another obvious thing would be to undertake a simple risk assessment: please also be aware that some people don't like or want to wear shoes or other footwear that has any form of steel toe cap. I found to my cost a number of years ago that steel toe caps aggravate bunnions, corns and the like. Also, you will need to involve the actual people wearing the footwear- you have to sell the this to them: a PR exercise as well as satisfying the PPE Regs. Hope this helps Regards John Sharp

Posted By Raj Thanks folks, but still I need some info to stress the point that they myst be smooth finish, without ridges and maybe without laces as well!! Is that mentioned anywhere?? warm regards raj

Posted By Ken Taylor On the latter 2 points, all you can do is: show that the employer's risk assessments have identified a significant risk and that these are the determined control measures; and/or agree formally the style of shoes to be provided with management/employee reps by selecting the right sort from the catering section of the catalogue.