WorkSafe Victoria recently issued a safety alert regarding correct footwear in mines, following an incident in which an employee suffered a serious wound from a piece of steel mesh which punctured their footwear.
Whilst applicable to the mining industry this incident is relevant to the Formwork Industry and WHS compliance re footwear.
The incident highlighted the importance for mine operators to ensure that any safety footwear in use on-site is appropriately rated for the risks identified.
The incident involved an underground mine employee sustaining a serious puncture wound to the foot when a piece of galvanised reinforcing mesh penetrated the sole of a rubber gumboot.
The safety alert said hazards that may pose a risk to employee health and safety in relation to footwear at a mine can include:
- sharp and abrasive rocks
- exposed reinforcing
- slippery or low traction surfaces
- hot or cold surfaces
- chemical exposure
- electrically charged objects
The alert said mine operators should ensure that the safety footwear required on-site is appropriate for the work being undertaken and is rated to provide the maximum protection for employees.
The ratings and markings that are applicable to safety footwear can be found in AS/NZS 2210.3:2019 - Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Footwear
Originally posted in AIHS Jan 2020
