266471 Factors associated with use of slip-resistant shoes in U.S. limited-service restaurant workers

Monday, October 29, 2012

Santosh K. Verma, ScD, MPH, MBBS , Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Theodore K. Courtney, MS, CSP , Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Helen L. Corns, MS , Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Yueng-hsiang (Emily) Huang, PhD , Center for Behavioral Research, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
David A. Lombardi, PhD , Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Wen R. Chang, PhD , Center for Physcial Ergonomics, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Melanye J. Brennan, MS , Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA
Melissa J. Perry, ScD , Environmental and Occupational Health, The Geororge Washington University, Washington DC, DC
Objectives: Slips and falls are a leading cause of injury at work. Several studies have indicated that slip-resistant shoes can reduce the risk of occupational slips and falls. Few studies, however, have examined the determinants of slip-resistant shoe use. This study examined the individual and workplace factors associated with slip-resistant shoe use. Methods: 475 workers from 36 limited-service restaurants in the U.S. participated in a study of workplace slipping. Demographic and job characteristic information about each participant was collected. Restaurant managers provided information on whether slip-resistant shoes were provided and paid for by the employer, and whether any guidance was given regarding slip-resistant shoe use when they were not provided. Kitchen floor coefficient of friction (COF) was measured. Slip-resistant status of the shoes was determined by noting the presence of a “slip-resistant” marking on the sole. Poisson regression with robust standard error was used to calculate prevalence ratios. Results: 320 participants wore slip-resistant shoes (67%). In the multivariate analysis, the prevalence of slip-resistant shoe use was the lowest in 15-19 year age group. Women were more likely to wear slip-resistant shoes (Prevalence Ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.07 - 1.31). Use of slip-resistant shoes was lower when no guidance regarding slip-resistant shoes was given as compared to when they were provided by the employer (Prevalence Ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.55 - 0.79). Conclusion: Provision of slip-resistant shoes was the strongest predictor of their use. Given their effectiveness and low cost, employers should consider providing slip-resistant shoes at work.

Learning Areas:
Occupational health and safety
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe workplace and individual factors associated with use of slip-resistant shoes in U.S. limited-service restaurant workers

Keywords: Occupational Safety, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal investigator of the study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.