For sure, health and safety issues are in the best interest of all, but really, is it necessary to be told? For example, take the recent accident that caused the death of actress Natasha Richardson. Does anybody really believe that the absence of a CSA Standard for ski helmets contributed to the terrible outcome from not wearing one?
"I don't," the CEO of Safetytoes International Inc. declared, "but, I honestly think the 'CSA myth' unfortunately works against common sense thinking. Just because the CSA doesn't have a Standard doesn't mean we should not take appropriate precautions."
Likewise, workers shouldn't need to wait with baited-breath to be told how to approach each and every work situation.
It is true that healthy working environments benefit everyone. Occupational, Health and Safety Acts and Regulations in Ontario have existed for nearly 40 years, so workplace safety should be second nature by now. But it's not. Employees continue to complain and experts continue to point at reports that indicate improvements. Legislation and regulations have saved lives and thousands of lost days of work. However, the question remains, why are workers so dismissive of safety matters?
"Too often, injuries to toes are the result of not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)," says Patrick Smyth, who brought the Slipp-R safetytoe overshoe to the safety market in 2006. "We also know that if employees dislike a particular piece of PPE, they won't wear it." The Slipp-R safetytoe overshoe is a rubber galosh with a steel toe cap. They are slip-on, slip-off, alternatives to steel toe safety shoes.
Smyth has been dealing with what he calls the "CSA Myth" in Ontario. "Standards make a great contribution in raising awareness for safety. But, we weren't able to get the CSA in Ontario to even look at the Slipp-R. They say that it doesn't conform to their notion of what a piece of protective footwear should look like. The CSA brand is so powerful many employers in Ontario think all safety footwear must have CSA Approval. This is entirely wrong of course, and it has effectively hindered industry, government and consumers access to a very cost-effective piece of safety equipment."
The CSA Standard for protective footwear has requirements that appear to have little relevance for slip-on steel toe rubber overshoes. For example, to qualify for CSA certification safety footwear must have a 25 mm length of material extending beyond the edge of the steel toe cap. Smyth does not see this as having any significance when it comes to protecting toes. "What does it matter if there is one inch of leather or rubber upper retained for testing, when it is the steel toe cap that provides the protection. Another requirement for certification is that the sole of footwear must be higher at the heel. This too is totally redundant when the object of the exercise is to protect the front of the foot."
Safetytoes International, a Toronto based company, contends that safety should be a powerful unifying force for good but myths, slavish compliance and limiting beliefs are getting in the way. "The myth that steel toe caps could sever toes in the event of a direct hit has only recently been debunked. Now we're dealing with non-tariff protectionist trade measures that helps a few but denies the vast majority." Smyth thinks the "CSA myth" could be a wedge against the unifying force.
In Ontario the protective footwear regulations do not mandate CSA Approved PPE. Every employer is required to undertake a risk assessment and provide "foot protection that is appropriate in the circumstances." Risk assessments that indicate only toe protection is required allow for the use of rubber steel toe overshoes in Ontario.
Smyth says, "Our Slipp-R actually exceeds the performance standards for Grade 1 and 2 toe protection in the CSA Standard for safety footwear. Our CE Certification test results at SATRA in Europe indicate excellent slip resistance which, surprisingly, is something the CSA has little to say about. We sell throughout the world but the "CSA myth" has us stumped in Ontario, where the Slipp-R is made. Go figure!"
There are on average nearly 3,000 toe injuries every year in Canada. The minimum Impact and Compression requirements for steel toe caps hasn't changed for decades which gives credence to the notion adhered to by Safetytoes International that injuries to toes are happening because workers are not protecting them.
The Slipp-R rubber safetytoe overshoe has been tested to be hard-wearing, slip resistant and is transferable with no hygiene issues. Safetytoes International knows that there are many work environments where only occasional toe protection is required. Most toe injuries occur at close quarters and from only chest height. The Slipp-R can provide the appropriate protection at a fraction of the cost of a steel toe cap safety shoe. The Slipp-R is made from a thick, robust rubber material that completely encases the steel toe cap.
Safetytoes International continues to raise awareness for the Slipp-R which they say could result in improved employee comfort and use of PPE, significant cost-savings and increased safety in many Ontario workplaces.
