Footwear Safety to Prevent Workplace Slips
The Problem
Slips, trips, and falls can happen when we least expect them, and they’re one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in New Zealand. While many factors contribute to slips, one of the most overlooked causes is inappropriate footwear. Whether it’s worn-out soles, muddy boots, or simply the wrong type of footwear for the job, the risk of slipping increases significantly. Today, we’ll discuss how selecting, maintaining, and inspecting proper footwear can prevent these incidents and keep you safe.
Identify the Hazards
Improper Footwear Selection: Smooth or worn-out soles on slippery or uneven surfaces. Lack of Maintenance: Mud, oil, or other contaminants reduce traction and increase the risk of slipping. Ignoring Task-Specific Needs: Using footwear suited for dry conditions in wet, greasy, or icy environments.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Selecting the Right Footwear:
- Choose footwear with slip-resistant soles, such as rubber or treaded soles, especially for slippery surfaces.
- Match footwear to the specific work environment (e.g., greasy floors, icy outdoor areas).
- Avoid smooth-soled footwear in areas that require extra grip.
Inspecting Footwear Regularly:
- Check for signs of wear and tear, such as worn-out soles or loose stitching, that can affect grip.
- Clean mud, grease, or other debris from soles to maintain slip resistance.
Maintaining Footwear:
- Clean your boots or shoes regularly to preserve their slip-resistant properties.
- Repair or replace any footwear with damaged soles or structural issues.
Adapting Footwear for Non-Routine Tasks:
- Assess whether your usual footwear is suitable for any new task or unfamiliar environment.
- Use a Task Analysis or Take 5 to assess footwear requirements before starting the job.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Recently, a worker slipped on a greasy surface because their boots had severely worn soles. The loss of traction had gone unnoticed over time. The slip resulted in a back strain and several weeks off work. This incident could have been avoided with a quick inspection and timely boot replacement.
Employee Responsibilities
- Inspect your footwear daily for wear, debris, or damage.
- Clean and maintain your boots regularly to ensure grip performance.
- Match your footwear to the surfaces and tasks you’ll encounter on shift.
- Report damaged footwear and replace it when needed.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide clear guidance on appropriate footwear for various job tasks and conditions.
- Regularly assess footwear compliance on-site.
- Offer support for acquiring suitable work footwear where appropriate.
- Include footwear requirements in Task Analyses and training.
Discussion & Questions
- “Have you ever had a slip or near-miss due to unsuitable footwear? What was the outcome?”
- “What features in your boots help you the most on the job?”
Encourage workers to share feedback and suggestions to improve safety.
Commitment/Action Plan
Starting today, let’s commit to inspecting our footwear daily, keeping them clean, and replacing them when worn out. Small actions make a big difference in preventing serious slips and falls.
Wrap-Up
Footwear is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in preventing slips on-site. By choosing, maintaining, and inspecting your footwear regularly, you help keep yourself and your team safe. Thanks for staying proactive about slip prevention.
Standards Overview
WorkSafe New Zealand advises that suitable footwear must be worn to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Employers must ensure workers have access to and wear appropriate PPE, including slip-resistant footwear, especially in wet or hazardous environments.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) requires employers to eliminate or minimise risks to worker health and safety as far as is reasonably practicable.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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