Posted By Jon Vitta
Morning all,

I was presented with a question this morning from a employee who has recently lost most of his toes on one foot due to circulation problems. We have had some footwear specially made for him, but they were unsuitable due to wearing out over a short period of time and not providing adequate slip resistance. His manager has organised for a third party to adjust a standard pair of safety boots from a well known supplier which are suitable for everyday use for the hazards presented on site during normal duties. They are inserting what can only be described as a support for the ball of his foot into the sole to relieve the pain he is currently experiencing. This is a temporary measure until we find something on a long term basis. The third party has pointed out that by adjusting a standard pair may invalidate both theirs and our own companies insurance should an accident happen. I am wary that they are trying to get more business out of us. I am told that the grip on the sole of the shoes will not be affect nor will the steel toe cap or ankle support. But I wondered if anyone had any advice on this situation on both a legal front and whether in the short term we have done enough to protect the employee.

Thanks in advance


Jon