the_skine t1_j9yp0ns wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:23 PM

Reply to comment by Algur in Workers tasked with moving products in the U.S. food and beverage supply chain are at a high risk of severe injuries and fatalities — Grocery wholesalers and grocery retail stores saw the highest number of injuries, followed closely by the warehousing and storage groups by marketrent

I work in a warehouse. Steel toe is optional. About 80% to 90% of employees wear sneakers. I wear composite toe so I can go through the metal detectors without setting them off.

We only send people home if they're wearing open toe or open back shoes.

Algur t1_j9ypjlf wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:27 PM

So your warehouse isn’t in compliance with the above regulation. That doesn’t mean that the reg doesn’t exist.

the_skine t1_j9ys5hq wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:45 PM

The regulation doesn't specify steel toe. All it specifies is protective footwear.

Algur t1_j9z4lzf wrote on February 25, 2023 at 5:09 PM

What do you think protective footwear entails? It certainly isn’t sneakers as you stated above.

MrR0m30 t1_j9z5b40 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 5:14 PM

Your interpretation isn’t the standard

Algur t1_j9z6ily wrote on February 25, 2023 at 5:22 PM

Per the reg, Protective footwear must comply with any of the following consensus standards: 1910.136(b)(1)(i) ASTM F-2412-2005, "Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection," and ASTM F-2413-2005, "Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear," which are incorporated by reference in § 1910.6;

1910.136(b)(1)(ii) ANSI Z41-1999, "American National Standard for Personal Protection -- Protective Footwear," which is incorporated by reference in § 1910.6; or

1910.136(b)(1)(iii) ANSI Z41-1991, "American National Standard for Personal Protection -- Protective Footwear," which is incorporated by reference in § 1910.6.

1910.136(b)(2) Protective footwear that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as protective footwear that is constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.

Do sneakers meet those standards?

MrR0m30 t1_j9z78ze wrote on February 25, 2023 at 5:26 PM

I want to believe you.But I trust the multibillion dollar corporations have compliance figured out even if it’s not to my benefit

the_skine t1_ja8me4k wrote on February 27, 2023 at 5:34 PM

Yep. Why would a fortune 500 company not implement a policy that costs them nothing (employees have to buy their own steel or composite toe boots), when getting an OSHA fine for 100-400 people (depending on time of year) not following regulations?