The right shoes can save lives: Preventing workplace slips, trips, and falls with proper footwear

Suresh Tanwar, Head of Audit and Consultancy – India, British Safety Council

Slips, trips, and falls remain among the leading causes of workplace injuries worldwide, contributing to both non-fatal and fatal incidents. This article highlights the critical role of proper safety footwear in preventing such accidents. From meeting technical standards and matching workplace conditions to ensuring comfort and durability, well-selected shoes not only protect employees but also promote health, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall workplace productivity

All over the world, slips, trips, and falls are still ranked among the top causes of injuries at work.

Recent data from the U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that slips, trips and falls made up 31% of all non-fatal workplace injuries reported by employers under RIDDOR in 2023-24. Further, slips, trips and falls on the same level accounted for nearly 18,500 reported cases in that period. Also, a recent trial among NHS employees in Great Britain assessing 5-star GRIP-rated slip-resistant footwear found that such footwear reduced slip incidents by 37% and reduced falls resulting from slips by 49%.

In 2023, employers reported 2,569,000 total recordable injury or illness cases in private industry, of which 450,540 involved falls, slips, or trips. In the same year, there were 5,283 fatal work injuries in the U.S.; of these, 885 deaths were due to falls, slips or trips.

The extent and supply of the proper slip resisting footwear – the specific hazards and the situation in the workplace can go a long way towards cutting the risk considerably. The safety shoes of high quality that fit well and stay comfortable during long working hours not only have the potential to increase safety but also to promote workers’ general health and efficiency.

The following are the tips for the right safety footwear selection

Get the technical details right
Footwear is the major barrier against slips; however, not all are constructed the same. Technical specifications are the first thing you should understand with so many choices available. Always make sure that the product meets the safety standards that have been set. For example, the standard EN ISO 20345:2011 certifies footwear meeting the requirements of the slip resistance test. Those products that pass this test are identified with certain letters which show that they have met the conditions required for testing. In Germany, the safety features of such shoes are defined in DIN EN ISO 20345. Since standards are subject to change, it is very important to check that the manufacturer is in line with the most recent updates to ensure the highest level of protection.

Match footwear to workplace conditions
Before choosing the proper slip-resistant shoes employers must first assess the work environment. The behavior of the materials changes depending on the surfaces or substances to which they are exposed. For example, the terms “oil-resistant” and “slip-resistant” denote different features – oil resistance stands for the sole’s strength, while slip resistance does not guarantee that it will be able to grip an oily surface. Identifying the contaminants that cause slip hazards and the surfaces on which these hazards exist and then asking suppliers for the right solutions would be a simple yet effective method.

Conduct a workplace risk assessment

The type of footwear offering the most protection can be identified through a detailed safety audit. They should incorporate the types of contaminants, flooring materials, and actual conditions in the workplace rather than depending only on lab test results. The true test of a shoe’s performance in the actual work environment is the prevention of accidents that are efficient.

Don’t compromise on quality

The giving of premium-quality footwear is an investment that pays back in the long run. Durable, comfortable and injury preventive, well-made shoes are the trifecta that is sought by every user. Footwear that permits breathability, while also keeping the wearer’s feet dry is even more comfortable in the long hours of work. One can easily say that although cheaper alternatives might save money at the beginning of the road, quality footwear lasts longer and performs better. Finding out if suppliers offer repair services can also play a role in lengthening the life of the product and thus lowering the total replacement expenses.

Leverage new technology

The old safety footwear has been transformed by today’s technology. The core of today’s designs are lightweight, puncture-resistant midsoles, and nanocarbon toe caps which, while being just as safe as steel, are more flexible and comfortable to wear. These technological breakthroughs allow for less tired legs and so the workers can keep their efficiency and comfort throughout the day.

Prioritize employee health

Extended periods of standing may bring about such cases as plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by painful heel inflammation and fatigue. Turning a blind eye to this will only aggravate the discomfort and the chances of accidents will grow. Biomechanically supported footwear that is designed in such a way that the foot’s natural shape is maintained is the one that causes the least amount of tiredness and promotes good posture. Not only is the comfort improved but also the health risks in the long run are being minimized.

Key takeaway

Top-notch, well-selected safety footwear that play an important role in accident prevention (slips, trips, and falls), worker health, and productivity are available. The employers should combine optimal slip resistance, the use of durable materials, and the design of ergonomic to make shoes that are safe and comfortable for their teams after undertaking the detailed assessment of risks in the workplace and selection of footwear.