boots (not the chemist)

dickydonkin

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

I won't be disciplined, whatever happens.

I'll make sure of that.

I do think there is a distinct difference between "discomfort" and "agony".

You have come on here for advice and I have attempted to explain your plight from a H&S perspective and others have indicated the potential consequences from an HR position.

It seems you do not like the answers from both sides but that is how it is.

Disciplinary action should be a last resort but the law is on the employers side but if you believe you won't be disciplined, that is fine!

Is there no union to help you and your fellow workers come to some resolution?

You suggested that your boots offer better protection than the ones provided by your employer. It would be interesting to know what hazards you are exposed to and whether a risk assessment has determined what type and standard of footwear is actually required.

You could have a very sturdy boot with steel toe caps that would take the impact of a heavy object on your foot, but they would be of little use if you worked in an atmosphere (e.g. a paint booth or an environment which comes under DSEAR regulations) where you were not wearing footwear with anti static properties that would place you and you colleagues at risk if a spark was created.

Out of curiosity, how does your own purchased footwear provide you with a more 'superior level of protection?

[Deleted User]

dickydonkin wrote: »

It seems you do not like the answers from both sides but that is how it is.

I certainly don't like being told I will be "disciplined".
I'm quite capable of preventing it ever coming to that.
I really don't need advice on that aspect, thanks.

dickydonkin wrote: »

Disciplinary action should be a last resort but the law is on the employers side but if you believe you won't be disciplined, that is fine!

I'm telling you categorically I won't be disciplined over this issue...

dickydonkin wrote: »

Out of curiosity, how does your own purchased footwear provide you with a 'superior level of protection?

Cheaper leather is not as hardwearing. An actual steel toe cap rather than a reinforced one. A thicker Vibram sole. The list goes on and on

Thanks everyone for your input and opinions and, as I said earlier, there are others in the same position as myself and the matter has been escalated through our Human Resources department.

I'll only return to update when I have more information...

ohreally

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

the matter has been escalated through our Human Resources department.

That's a strange development given HR's function.

[Deleted User]

ohreally wrote: »

That's a strange development given HR's function.

Not really.
Part of their "function" is to order and supply PPE to employees.

Malthusian

If the employer won't see sense, is there any way in which the boots can be adapted to make them more comfortable? Thick socks, or some sort of material inserted into the place where it rubs the skin?

Similar issue albeit a very different kind of footwear: I had some trail running shoes which rubbed up and down the back of my heel (the bit immediately below the ankle). At the end of a 2 hour cross country race it would cause me a lot of pain and there would be a large patch of skin neatly removed from the back of the foot. My initial solution was to tape a sticking plaster to the affected area before setting off. It had the same effect as nipple tape.

Nile

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

My employer provides (very very cheap) workplace safety boots which I have found unwearable to the extent that they have actually caused blisters and painful cuts to my ankles and feet. As a result of this, I stopped wearing the issued boots and have bought my own expensive pair for a few years now.

No problem with this until recently when the company started insisting that the boots provided must be worn by all employees.

I'm loathe to comply with this because the company boots are so uncomfortable and take an age to "wear in" and also that they last only a few months. I'm also annoyed that I've forked out for my own boots which I clearly won't be wearing anywhere else.
I've broached this with my line manager, but the response is that there can be no exceptions, even though my own boots have a far superior build quality and more than conform to the safety standards required.

Anyone any thoughts on this? Or have I wasted my money?

I can empathise with you Moneyineptitude, I've worn uncomfortable safety boots for work too.

As per the post by Malthusian, I'd also suggest wearing better (thicker) socks to help. My preference is Pringle sports socks as they have a thick padded (but soft) sole:

http://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2606539?id=S2606539&color=C101

In your position, I would obtain the product leaflet (spec) for your replacement safety boots and show it to your boss. Ask him to compare the spec with the company issued boots to see if they comply with the safety standards/hazard(s) at work.


Hopefully he'll acknowledge that you're not just complaining and giving him a problem.............you're offering a solution to your damaged feet situation.


I was fortunate, I also went to try on several pairs of safety boots at an Arco store, and found a pair that was comfortable..........and the company paid for them.


I hope you get sorted soon.


Nile

dickydonkin

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Cheaper leather is not as hardwearing. An actual steel toe cap rather than a reinforced one. A thicker Vibram sole. The list goes on and on..

The list may indeed go on and on, but you have not indicated what you actually need protecting against.

Over protection can actually be a hindrance - but that is another debate.

I don't think you have grasped the principle of PPE and despite posters attempting to inform you of the realities, you seem more determined to have a battle with your employer rather that trying to resolve the problem.

Certainly the attitude from your posts may lead others to think that you are stirrup up trouble over an issue that is so easy to resolve at no additional cost to the employer.

Many may wonder why you have posted on here as you seem to have made your mind up how you intend to resolve this, but going head on with your employer may not end well in the long term.

I hope you get it sorted.

[Deleted User]

dickydonkin wrote: »

I don't think you have grasped the principle of PPE

You're probably right.

I'll just put my own boots in the bin and put up with the sub standard boots provided. I enjoy being railroaded.

dickydonkin wrote: »

you seem more determined to have a battle with your employer rather that trying to resolve the problem.

I'm having a "battle" am I? I've simply broached the subject with my employer (as have several others).

dickydonkin wrote: »

Certainly the attitude from your posts may lead others to think that you are stirrup up trouble over an issue that is so easy to resolve at no additional cost to the employer.

Yes, I'm definitely stirring up trouble.
(Incidentally, if I were to wear my own boots, that would cost my employer exactly nil.;) )

dickydonkin wrote: »

Many may wonder why you have posted on here as you seem to have made your mind up how you intend to resolve this, but going head on with your employer may not end well in the long term.

Why do you insist on assuming that I've taken an aggressive and/or combative stance over this?

I can assure you that no disciplinary action will be taken over this and nor will I be attempting to overturn any decision made by the Head Office in whose hands this problem now lies.

I posted here for opinions. Thanks for your time...

dickydonkin

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

I posted here for opinions. Thanks for your time...

And many people have taken their time to give you them from an HR, and health ans safety perspective. Some have even offered practical solutions to relieve your 'agony'.

However, despite asking for opinions, you are going to do your own thing regardless, so good luck with that and I am sure you will resolve this in your own way.

[Deleted User]

dickydonkin wrote: »

I am sure you will resolve this in your own way.

As I always do