Wearing of Flip Flops Allowed, Says HSE
Contrary to popular belief, the HSE does not prohibit workers from wearing flip flops at work. The HSE has made this clear in its recent ‘myth of the month’ series.
A third of employees in the UK, according to a recent survey, have the wrong notion that the HSE bans wearing flip flops at work and also bans children playing with conkers. This prompted Chair of the HSE Judith Hackitt to call such false notions as outrageous.
In HSE’s ‘myth of the month’ series, the regulatory body clearly states that there is no prohibition regarding use of flip-flops to work. Employees often wear flip-flops during the summer season to beat the heat.
However, staff wearing flip-flops should guard themselves against trips and falls, particularly where the floor is wet and slippery. Trips and falls cause about 30% of all workplace accidents. Hence, it is prudent to wear shoes that fit properly and have a good grip rather than the casual flip-flops if there is a perceptible risk of falling.
The ‘Be Part of the Solution’ campaign launched by the HSE advocates a pragmatic approach to health and safety at work , which includes dismissing popular myths about the do’s and don’ts that employees need to mind at the workplace. A company that offers great training for employment law and health and safety, such as the NEBOSH General Certificate course is Workplace Law Training.
Judith Hackitt reiterated that health and safety at workplace is the key issue for the HSE in tune with its ‘Be Part of the Solution’ campaign, and that it is against any sort of unnecessary law enforcement that takes pleasure out of work.
