Concern Over Women Wearing High Heels at Work
High heels have always been associated with fashion and glamour and have been taken as an essential accessory for a woman to look impressive. Over the years, high heels have not just been limited to the world of fashion but have gradually infiltrated every aspect of life where women are involved. So today, women wear high heels on all occasions including at work. In fact, some employers emphasize on the need to wear high heels in the workplace and at meetings with clients etc, so much so that it has now been incorporated into the official dress code in many organizations.
This current trend has been questioned by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, on the basis that high heels are injurious to the health of an individual, and employers, specially in the retail business who compel their female employees to wear them are violating the minimum standards of health and safety. Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues – click on NEBOSH Certificate, for a course which can assist companies in training staff.
The Society had launched a campaign in 2007 to give working women advice on how to address problems pertaining to feet and legs. It was found that continuous standing and ill-fitting footwear were largely responsible for foot problems that caused a high rate of absenteeism from work. Consequently, employers who indulge in this practice have been asked to evaluate the health risks of employees who work wearing high heels. If it is found that it is a significant health hazard, then appropriate steps have to be taken to neutralize its effect.
Rising concerns about high-heel problems have led the Society to table a motion on the issue with the TUC, that will be put up for discussion and deliberations at the TUC Congress meeting scheduled to be held next month. The motion has been criticized by some women like The Apprentice’s Michelle Dewberry and Tory MP Nadine Dorries as being sexist and unnecessarily patronizing
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