What is the law on providing steel toecap shoes at work?
United States
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees when there is a hazard of foot injury from falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole. This includes steel toe shoes.
The specific requirements for steel toe shoes are found in OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.136(a). This standard states that "foot protection shall be worn by employees working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole."
The standard also provides some specific examples of situations where steel toe shoes are required. These include:
* When working in construction areas
* When working in warehouses
* When working in factories
* When working in mines
* When working in logging operations
In addition to OSHA, some states also have their own laws and regulations regarding the provision of steel toe shoes at work. For example, California requires employers to provide steel toe shoes to employees who work in certain industries, such as construction, logging, and manufacturing.
European Union
In the European Union, the provision of steel toe shoes at work is regulated by the Personal Protective Equipment Directive (89/686/EEC). This directive requires employers to provide PPE to their employees when there is a risk of injury to the feet.
The specific requirements for steel toe shoes are found in Annex II of the directive. This annex lists the risks for which steel toe shoes are required. These risks include:
* Crushing injuries
* Puncturing injuries
* Cutting injuries
* Burns
* Chemical splashes
The directive also sets out the minimum requirements for steel toe shoes. These requirements include:
* The shoes must be made of a material that is resistant to penetration and crushing.
* The shoes must have a steel toe cap that is at least 200 joules.
* The shoes must be comfortable to wear and must not hinder the wearer's movement.
In addition to the directive, some EU countries also have their own laws and regulations regarding the provision of steel toe shoes at work. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide PPE to their employees when there is a risk of injury.
Conclusion
The law on providing steel toe shoes at work varies from country to country. In the United States, OSHA requires employers to provide steel toe shoes when there is a hazard of foot injury. In the European Union, the Personal Protective Equipment Directive requires employers to provide steel toe shoes when there is a risk of injury to the feet.