As reported by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) in the US, almost one-fourth of all slip-and-fall accidents are caused by inappropriate shoes, while poor hazard identification is responsible for another 9 per cent of incidents. All over the world, slips, trips, and falls are still ranked among the leading causes of workplace injuries. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that they constitute about 40 per cent of all the major accidents at the workplace. Moreover, around 95 per cent of the serious slip cases lead to fractures, which, as a rule, call for six to eight weeks of recovery. The monetary loss to employers, however, goes beyond the human toll and is calculated by the sum of lost productivity and related costs, which is estimated at £512 million per year.

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 reducing the risk. 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’ health and efficiency.

The following are the tips for the right safety footwear selection:

Footwear is the major barrier against slips, however not all are constructed the same. The technical specifications are the first thing you should understand with so many options available. Always ensure 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 latest updates to ensure the highest level of protection.

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.

The type of footwear offering the most protection can be identified through a detailed safety audit. The audit 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 how well it prevents accidents .

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 allows breathability while 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.

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.

Extended periods of standing may lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by painful heel inflammation and fatigue. Turning a blind eye to this will only aggravate 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 the comfort is improved but also the health risks in the long run are being minimised.

Top-notch, well-selected safety footwear plays an important role in accident prevention (slips, trips, and falls), worker health, and productivity are available. 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.

Suresh Tanwar is the Senior Head of Audit and Consultancy at the British Safety Council, India. He is a seasoned safety professional and strategist with decades of experience in Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E). An active member of the CII National Safety Task Force Committee since its inception, he has played a significant role in shaping safety policies and best practices. Before joining British Safety Council, India, he served as Chief of Group Safety & Health for the Tata Group of Companies.