Wearing leather shoes in workshops is a critical safety measure that protects students from a wide range of potential hazards. It aligns with workplace safety standards, ensuring students develop safe work habits for future careers in engineering, construction, or trades.
In NSW schools, students are required to wear leather shoes in workshops for safety reasons, as outlined by Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and the NSW Department of Education policies. The key reasons include:
1. Protection from Sharp or Heavy Objects
- Workshops contain tools, machines, and materials that could fall, causing injuries.
- Leather shoes provide a stronger barrier than fabric or synthetic footwear, reducing the risk of cuts, punctures, or crushing injuries.
2. Resistance to Chemicals and Hot Materials
- Many workshops use adhesives, paints, solvents, and lubricants that can damage or soak through non-leather shoes.
- In woodwork and metalwork, hot shavings, sparks, or molten materials can cause burns if they land on feet.
3. Prevention of Slips and Trips
- Leather shoes usually have non-slip soles, providing better grip on workshop floors that may have dust, sawdust, oil, or metal shavings.
- This helps prevent falls that could lead to serious injuries.
4. Compliance with WHS Regulations
- Schools must adhere to workplace safety laws similar to those in professional industries.
- The NSW Department of Education’s WHS policies and SafeWork NSW guidelines specify appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including enclosed, sturdy footwear.
5. Electrical Safety
- Many workshops have electrical tools and equipment.
- Leather shoes provide better insulation than synthetic shoes, reducing the risk of electric shocks if there is an electrical fault.
6. Mandatory School Policy
- Schools enforce leather shoes as part of standard workshop PPE requirements.
- Students who fail to wear appropriate footwear may be excluded from practical activities due to safety concerns.
Acceptable Shoes
