A matter of non-skid soles and workers' comp?

Question

I work in a restaurant that has extremely slick floors. Not in the kitchen, but between the server station and the dining room. Even the slightest bit of moisture will make the tiled floor feel like a skating rink. I wear shoes with studded rubber soles, but that doesn't stop me from skidding if the floor is even damp. I've fallen at least four times in the month or so I've worked there, and yesterday I took a pretty bad spill. I ended up with a few knots and bruises. My supervisor told me that if I should happen to fall and get badly hurt, comp wouldn't pay for a thing because I don't have shoes that are approved as non-skid. Can this be so, or is she just telling me that thinking that if I ever do fall and break something I won't turn it in on comp? Sounds fishy to me. Oh, and by the way, I fell again today, and the reason I don't have such shoes is because I honestly can't afford to go and buy them.

Answer 1

1. go to

http://www.shoesforcrews.com

they have the appropriate shoes and they are not that expensive. they are made for the business are long lasting, very comfortable and provide great support.



2. if the employer mandates a particular shoe they must provide them in most states just as they must provide uniforms.

having to purchase particular shoes can not take your pay for the pay-period below minimum wage.

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs16.pdf



3. if you are hurt at work it is workers comp unless the employer can document your "gross misconduct".



4. you can be disciplined for not wearing the appropriate shoes even if the employer does not provide them but that does not mitigate their responsibility to cover you in the case of an injury.(unless #3 applies)

discipline for not wearing the appropriate shoes can include termination with cause if that is the employers policy.

Answer 2

By any chance, do you work at Olive Garden? I've seen many *customers* slip and fall on that tile they have.



It is their responsibility to put down carpets or some other non-skid material. If you get injured, they *would* be responsible!

Answer 3

If you are the only one slipping and falling, it may very well be your shoes.

It would be cheaper, less painful and less stressful to buy the right shoes.

Hard to say what worker's comp will or won't pay on.

Answer 4

the boss is FOS ( full of it) . If you get hurt at work you should certainly apply for WC. Check with a workers comp attorney if you do get hurt.



Want to ask if they can put down non-slip runners ?



If I were you I'd find a new job.