A common contributing factor to slips, trips or falls is inappropriate footwear.

Injuries sustained from slips, trips and falls: • Sprains, strains, bruises and fractures – can range from minor to serious.

Slippery soles, poorly secured shoes (e.g. thongs or ill-fitting sandals/scuffs), loose soles or laces, unstable heels or unsecured tongues can result in slip, trip and fall injuries. Wearing safe, supportive and appropriate shoes is a good way of preventing falls and keeping feet healthy

What can we do to minimise the risk? Footwear which is suitable for the general school environment means enclosed shoes, which are flat shoes or shoes with a minimal heel that have a good grip and fit well. Depending on the activity, shoes may also need to be water resistant or non-porous to prevent or slow absorption or entry of materials e.g. chemicals, hot liquids, grinding sparks.

All staff need to assess their tasks for the day and chose footwear that is suitable for the activities they will be undertaking.

Mr Mark Pedersen
Workplace Health and Safety Officer
Mark_Pedersen@shalomcollege.com