Wynsors World of Shoes looks at the importance of wearing the right footwear for the job

Wynsors World of Shoes looks at the importance of wearing the right footwear for the job


Over a third of major accidents at work are the fault of slips and trips, according the statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and many of these accidents could be avoid by wearing the correct personal protective equipment, including footwear.


Self-employed workers and Protective Personal Equipment (PPE)


If you are self-employed you have a duty to obtain and use the appropriate PPE whenever and wherever there is a risk to your health; it’s your responsibility to make sure you are protected (PPE at work regulations 1992).


Additionally, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 it’s your duty to ensure that you are not exposed to risks to your health and safety. If you are unclear on whether you are employed or self-employed, HM revenue and customers have a handy guide, which can be found here.


According to specialist construction trade union, Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT), workers not wearing the correct boots have become a rising issue. There are also growing concerns about the number of fake PPE items becoming readily available, which offer no real protection, and last year UCATT discovered vending machines selling PPE.


UCATT’s advice is to ensure your PPE complies with guidelines and comes with the correct kite mark and/or certificate.


“There is a constant battle with people not being protected by agencies who are not supplying the right PPE,” said a UCATT spokesperson.


“If you work solely for yourself (not connected to another employer or agency) and your PPE is not provided it should not excuse you from wearing the correct safety equipment as accidents may happen.”


Working in poor weather conditions


Top tips


For more information on the PPE guidelines visit the HSE website.