Safety Shoes

Certain tasks performed on the medical center campus can expose employees to foot hazards in the workplace. To protect employees from hazards that can cause foot injuries, either by “rolling” or “falling” objects, employees may be required to wear safety footwear based on the job they perform.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standard for foot protection (29 CFR 1910.136), employers are required to ensure that each affected employee wear foot protection in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to the following circumstances:

• Falling or rolling objects
• Objects piercing the sole
• Electrical hazards, such as a static discharge or electric-shock hazard

According to OSHA’s standard regarding foot protection, protective footwear must comply with the following standard:

• ASTM F-2413-11, “Standard Specification for Performance Requirements”

A steel-toed boot is a durable boot or shoe that has a protective reinforcement in the toe, which protects the foot from falling objects or compression, usually combined with a mid-sole plate to protect against punctures from below. The protective reinforcement in the toe is usually made of steel, but a composite material can also be used.

As part of CUIMC’s policy regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), any task that exposes employees to foot injuries will require that safety footwear, preferably steel-toed boots, be used.

For more information or questions about safety footwear, please speak with your supervisor or contact a member of Campus Life Safety and Regulatory Compliance.