SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS RIGHT STEPS
Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager at HAIX discusses how selecting the correct
footwear can prevent costly accidents in the workplace.
Between 2016/17, 29% of all non-fatal injuries in the UK workplace were caused by slips, trips and falls according to HSE statistics. It has also been estimated that accidents in UK workplaces can cost employers up to £800m per year with the cost to individuals put at around £300. Wearing the right type of protective footwear could be the key to decreasing some of these figures, reducing the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.
IDENTIFY THE RISKS Key figures from the HSE show that in the UK, the cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions is £14.9bn. For slips, trips and falls, there were 111,000 reported slips across UK workplaces in 2016/17. Injuries in the workplace are expensive, and hazards such as wet surfaces from cleaning or spillage, poor lighting and obstruction in walkways can be prevented.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations stipulate employers must comply to EU laws, providing workers with the correct certified footwear. Employers have a direct responsibility for protecting workers health and safety. Purchasing the correct, compliant footwear is critical in doing this.
Some employees are responsible for purchasing their own safety boots. Individuals required to do this must first be educated about what safety standards mean and which features are required, ensuring optimum protection.
SAFETY FIRST Safety footwear must comply with the ISO safety standard: ISO 20345:2011, ensuring all features such as materials, toe caps, insoles and slip resistance are manufactured with adequate protection.
HAIX protective footwear is scientifically tested; ensuring products comply with this safety standard. All features are measured, from the grade and slip resistance of boots to how waterproof the material is. The results gained through testing provide clear insight, highlighting the exact features needed to protect workers from certain risks.
Key features in protective footwear to prevent slips, trips and falls include anti-slip, waterproof, breathable, ventilating and insulating material.
ANTI-SLIP To ensure footwear is anti-slip, it is tested according to the main ISO safety standard: ISO 20345:2011, in various conditions. Once footwear passes tests, specific codes
24 TAKE THE
are given indicating protection for certain hazards. For example, SRA indicates they have been tested on ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution, SRB – tested on smooth steel with glycerol, and SRC – tested under both the above conditions.
WATERPROOF Workers suffering from wet feet, may find it harder to concentrate as they could become more concerned about their comfort, rather than the job in hand. This could lead to an accident.
To be labelled as waterproof, boots should adhere to the EN ISO standard: 20345/20347. This is the minimum European standard manufacturers should achieve. HAIX footwear exceeds this standard, using GORE-TEX Laminate membrane that is 20,000 times smaller than a droplet of water, ensuring the boot is completely and durably waterproof.
BREATHABLE, VENTILATING, INSULATING Other key footwear features to consider, particularly in the winter months, includes the incorporation of breathable and insulating materials into the shoes. To keep feet ventilated when working hard, uppers (the part of the shoe covering the top, sides, back and toes of the foot) should be made from the appropriate leather or breathable material. This will ensure workers aren’t thinking about their feet and lack of comfort or feeling inadequately insulated in freezing temperatures.
FEET FIRST Low-quality footwear that doesn’t meet the required standards could contribute to the severity of accidents. Wellbeing starts from the feet up and investing in quality, compliant protective footwear ensures workers are protected and able to perform at their best.
www.haix.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
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