The employer must provide safety boots that are suitable for the environment at no cost to the employee if a work place has hazards that could result in injury to the feet.
There are two types of work-related foot injuries:
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Sprains, lacerations, punctures, crushing,
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Those resulting from slips, falls and trips.
Wherever there are hazards in the work place that could result in any type of foot injury then approved safety footwear must be worn at all times.
The employer can not require that the employee provide his own safety boots as part of the employment agreement or and must not not pay an allowance instead of providing safety boots.
If an employee really wants to get their own boots they may. The employer could then let the employee purchase their own boots and reimburse them for the full cost. The employee must ensure that the boots offer adequate protection. If the employee asks the employer to provide safety boots at a later date, then the employer must provide them .