SECTION 15. PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR

15.1 GENERAL

Protective footwear (referred to as safety toe shoes or boots) incorporate protective toe boxes made of steel or synthetic material to protect the feet from heavy falling or rolling objects. Footwear may also incorporate features such as metatarsal guards, conductive or nonconductive properties for static electricity, high and low voltage hazards, sole punctures, slip resistance, upper materials and/or construction providing greater resistance to cutting or penetration from sharp or pointed objects, and other protective/comfort features, such as insulation for extreme heat or cold.

Protective footwear of the non-safety type can incorporate soles specially designed to prevent slips and falls on slippery surfaces, or materials to prevent exposure to hazardous chemical spills or splashes.

Employees engaged in work involving probable risk of injury to the feet or slipping and falling due to a slippery surface must wear the proper protective footwear.

Employees will be responsible for ensuring appropriate footwear is used in accordance with the requirement of Paragraph 15.2. Temporary, slip-on protection will be provided by APO for use during certain operations.

APO will reimburse employees up to $100 for safety shoes.

15.2 Requirements

Appropriate safety toe footwear will be worn by employees while engaged in the handling or moving of objects where the possibility of foot damage is present.

Sole slip-resistant shoes (non-safety toes) will be worn by employees engaged in housekeeping operations.

Appropriate protective footwear will be worn by employees when engaged in metals cleaning/coating or machinery operations.

Sandals, clogs, open toe shoes, and canvas or nylon-type sport shoes provide little or no protection from exposure to impact, puncture, abrasion, chemical splash, extreme heat or cold, and must not be worn where such exposure exists.