DON'T DO THE TWIST!
To prevent foot and ankle injuries,
wear sensible shoes and watch your
step – especially on uneven floors
If you find flaws in our floors, please report them
June's Poster of the Month is about preventing foot and ankle injuries in the workplace.
Coincidentally, a couple of months after I researched and wrote the words for this poster, this story came out in the news. It concerned a receptionist who was sent home from her job for refusing to wear high heels.
Her refusal was not without good reason. She claimed that her work involved nine hours on her feet, escorting clients to meeting rooms, and that she would be unable to do this wearing heels.
After posting the details of her experience on Facebook, the receptionist realised that other women had been put in the same position. The women in question were not all in desk jobs. Many were required to stand for long periods; some had to walk long distances, including up and down stairs; some had to carry heavy items; and some even had to run across shiny, slippery floors carrying emergency equipment.
It was after hearing some of these stories that the receptionist decided to start a petition to change the law, so companies can no longer legally insist on high heels as part of their dress code.
What's wrong with sensible, comfortable footwear?
High heels are well known for causing severe discomfort, ankle injuries and posture problems. They can also make you unsteady on your feet, more susceptible to slips and trips and more likely to fall over.For jobs that involve long periods of standing, walking and carrying, we always recommend flat, comfortable shoes with good treads. Where there are additional threats from falling items or vehicle movements, proper safety shoes with steel toe caps are vital.
Having worked in health and safety for more than ten years, I'm appalled that women are allowed to wear heels in some jobs, let alone forced to.
