Footwear requirements vary depending on the work location. Procedure PROC-EH-2000, General Safety Requirements defines footwear requirements for three distinct work areas.
Please consult your safety representative if you have questions about the following footwear guidelines for areas in which you work or visit:
| Central campus and administrative/office areas: Buildings used exclusively as offices that are accessed via paved walkways and parking lots. | |
| Permitted | Prohibited |
| • Soft upper material (canvas) • Backless shoes with a hard sole and closed toe • Platform – less than 1 inch • High heels – less than 2 inches • Open-toed with a back strap | • Styles that do not conform to requirements • Shoes without soles (moccasins) • Flip-flops and/or thong sandals |
| Field work and operating areas: Industrial and maintenance areas, operating floors, unpaved areas around facilities (including parking lots), and office-type environments that are co-located within operating areas. | |
| Permitted | Prohibited |
| • Substantial footwear of sturdy leather or similar construction that fully encloses the foot and has a semi-rigid non-slip sole with defined heel. • Footwear with ankle support is preferred for climbing or uneven walking/working surfaces. • Soles with non-slip traction patterns should be used for snow and ice conditions. | • Styles not conforming to requirements • Moccasins • Sandals • Flip-flops and/or thong sandals • High heels • Open toes • Open heels |
| Heavy Industrial Areas: Any area where injury could occur due to the hazards of falling or rolling objects; hoisting/rigging; drum or other heavy-material handling; system deactivation and decommissioning; and construction or demolition activities. | |
| Permitted | Prohibited |
| Foot protection and other protective equipment will be specified in the work procedure, job hazard analysis, or task-specific work document. | Any style that does not conform to requirements outlined in work documents. |