We had an issue come up the other day, which when I investigated went away just as fast, funny that. However, it prompted the question about special safety footwear. I’m aware there are companies out there that can make specials, but the question is actually what companies ask for in terms of information and or proof. Oddly I have never had to deal with this in the past, but know on IOSH discussion forum the question has been asked in the distant past, but just about supply.

As I said my problem went away as the person first told her manager she had foot issues, but when I spoke to her about the subject of what she had bought not meeting the company required spec ( s1-p and Either SRC or SRB), nothing was mentioned about needing specials.

So, I wondered, do people ask for medical proof or a spec of what is required from a medical professional of some description. Do you just take the persons word for what they require ?

Chris

I require "special" safety footwear.... this just means a deeper design to accommodate my custom orthotics... and it's something of a "trial and error" process to find a good fit (a bit like people requiring "special" chairs for DSE - it's an expensive process to find the right one!).

If proof were required, I would provide a podiatrist appointment letter, or show my fancy orthotics off. But there isn't an official document. I'd consider it a "reasonable adjustment". 

It may be that the individual really does need to try on footwear to see what works for them. But they need to be coached in finding out the specifically required safety features.. and CE/UKCA marking needs.

I've also found with reluctant staff, providing a comfy insole (or even coloured laces) improves acceptance of "standards issue" options. 

Yes she waited until her manager was on holiday and went out and bought a pair of normal DR Martins boots and put in some removable steel toe protectors. First time I had seen these. Then an expenses form was put in for just over £100. No one had authorised her to do this and when the expenses were questioned, she had told someone that she had foot problems and needed special footwear. I was then asked to go and see what spec had been bought. There was no spec, except the removable steel toes were to an outdated spec from 2010, but still available on the net.

She said another manager could not find her size, the other manger knew nothing of this when questioned. She didn’t say anything to me about needing special footwear, indeed the DR Martins were normal boots. Case continues, but someone else’s problem, I just reported on the spec or lack of it as asked.

However, it did make me wonder if others ask for proof of some form, from any sort of medical professional. Yes, were have an account with Arco anyway, from past posts here they are said to be helpful if people have issues.

We have a reasonably generous limit for cost, but some want the fashionable branded make. Oddly my DR Martins shoes are slightly heavier than my safety shoes which were 1/5 the price and as comfortable if not more so.

Other shoe manufacturers and outlets are available.

It would be nice to be able to trust employees, but this is an example where we cannot. I’m therefore thinking of going down the asking for proof route, so we can help them.

Chris

Edited by user 17 July 2023 16:10:04(UTC)  | Reason: past tense needed

Originally Posted by: Kate

I had no idea you could get removable toe tectors!

Nor me perhaps I have led a sheltered life

They had EN 12568 stamped on them, when looked up BS EN 12568 in 2010, now BS EN ISO 22568 from 2019 onwards.

However, you can still buy EN 12568 inserts on the internet. (Notice lack of BS)

Why?

Safety footwear is cheap enough.

Funnily she had the right toe in left boot and vice versa and hadn’t noticed.

You have to find amusement where you can.

Chris