When must foot protection be provided to employees?

OSHA’s standard on foot protection at 1910.136, includes the following: “The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.” Employers should keep these requirements in mind as they do the hazard assessment required at 1910.132(d). This includes, among other things, observing the work environment directly so that all of the potential hazards can be identified.