Mid Sole Boots - City of Greater Geelong

Local Government, City services which looks after all the parks, gardens and all manner of road works.

What was the issue/s at the workplace?

We had staff stepping on objects that would penetrate through the soles of steel cap boots causing serious foot injuries. We have many field staff working all around the Geelong municipality stepping on who knows what.

What did you do to control it/resolve it?

We changed our boot range from steel cap only to all City services staff (over 500 field staff) being provided mid sole boots. Vesna, Craig Plummer and myself have worked extensively to get a range of 9 different types of midsole boots and even more time getting specialized boots for staff with specific foot requirements the protection they deserve.

Who did you talk to about the issue/s or who helped you resolve it?

Vesna-Maria Desa our safety officer worked with staff and management to get funding to supply all City Services field staff and any others that would be in danger of boot penetration with mid sole protection boots.

What was the outcome? How is the workplace better now?

Vesna gained backing from management and it was agreed and put into policy that all field staff will be provided mid sole boots. An expense which has cost the council tens of thousands of dollars to provide field staff the most protection available for their feet.

*Disclaimer:
The publishing of entries on the WorkSafe Awards website and or/the granting of an award does not constitute any endorsement by WorkSafe Victoria of a product, method or service, or the occupational health and safety performance of the workplace. Monthly Champions must undergo expert review to progress through to the stringent validation and judging process and can only progress to the next stage of entry once WorkSafe are satisfied that the entry/entrant has met the relevant award category criteria and terms and condition of entry.

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