Safety shoes at work: who pays the bill?

In France, it is your employer who is responsible for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to its employees. Among these PPE, safety shoes. This obligation is enshrined in the Labor Code and it doesn't stop there! Your employer must take care of several important aspects.

Employer obligations

In France, the employer is legally required to provide the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for the safety of its employees. employees. And it doesn't stop at the purchase. He must also ensure that these shoes are adapted to the specific risks of each workstation and that they are maintained correctly. That's the minimum, right? After all, this equipment protects lives.

But it doesn’t stop there. The employer must also be responsible for replacing shoes when they are worn out. A pair of safety shoes that no longer protect is nonsense. So yes, it is up to him to monitor their condition and replace them in due time.

In which cases does the employer pay for safety shoes?

As soon as there is a risk for employees' feet, the employer must pay for safety shoes . Whether on a construction site, in a factory or in a warehouse, as soon as the job involves the risk of crushing, puncturing or other dangers for the feet, it's up to him to take out the wallet.

If wearing shoes is necessary for the safety of the employee, the cost of work shoes and their maintenance is therefore the responsibility of employers according to Article R4323-95 of the Labor Code.

The personal protective equipment and work clothing mentioned in article R. 4321-4 are provided free of charge by the employer who ensures their proper functioning and their maintenance in a satisfactory hygienic condition through maintenance, repairs and replacements. necessary. These provisions do not preclude the conditions for the provision of personal protective equipment provided for by article L. 1251-23, for temporary employees.

You might think this is obvious, but some employers may try to get around the rule. For example, by offering low-end models or skipping maintenance. But, here again, the law is clear: shoes must be adapted to the risks and comply with current safety standards.

When is the purchase of safety shoes not the responsibility of the employer?

Of course, there are some exceptions. If, for example, the employee decides to buy another pair that is more comfortable than the one offered by the employer, he or she can cover the costs. It happens, but it's rare. And then there are also cases where the shoes are used for personal purposes outside of work, again it is up to the employee to pay.

Let’s take the case of temporary workers. According to articles L1251-23 and L1251-43 of the Labor Code, the purchase of safety shoes may be the responsibility of the temporary employment agency. However, they will never be the responsibility of the employee.

How to get a refund for your safety shoes?

If you have decided to purchase your safety shoes yourself, it is possible to request a refund. But be careful, you must follow the procedure:

• keep the invoice
• check that the shoes comply with company requirements
• make the request in due form

It’s not always smooth sailing, but it’s your right. Remember, security is priceless and it would be unfair for it to weigh on your shoulders.

How to choose a good pair of safety shoes?

The time has come to choose your safety shoes. To choose good safety shoes, you must take into account safety standards, impact resistance, puncture resistance, non-slip properties and even protection against electrical or chemical risks.

Our advice: Try them at the end of the day, when your feet are a little swollen, to be sure that they will be comfortable from morning to evening.

To help you choose the right pair of safety shoes for your work environment, we have already written several pieces of content that you might like:

• Which safety shoes to choose?
• Which safety shoes should you choose for sensitive feet?
• Which safety shoes should you choose for working at height?

When are safety shoes mandatory?

Safety shoes become obligatory as soon as your workstation presents risks to your feet. It's that simple. Whether on a construction site, in an industrial kitchen or in a factory, whenever there is a potential danger for your feet, you must wear them. This is a legal obligation and failure to respect it can result in sanctions, but also and above all in serious accidents.

Certain sectors of activity are more affected than others. For example, construction, metallurgy or even the chemical industry. But even in less dangerous environments, wearing safety shoes may be required. Prevention is better than cure, right?

You may be wondering who really needs to wear safety shoes and when? If you are in doubt or want to know more about exactly when to wear your safety shoes, take a look at this article: Who and when should wear safety shoes?

When to change your safety shoes?

Safety shoes don't last forever. As they are worn, they wear out and their ability to protect diminishes. It is therefore essential to change them as soon as they show signs of wear: deformed soles, damaged uppers, weakened tips. Don't take unnecessary risks by continuing to wear them. When they are no longer effective, they must be replaced.

To avoid finding yourself with worn-out shoes, remember to inspect them regularly. A quick look can save you a lot of hassle. And if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact us. After all, prevention is better than cure.