Steel toed shoes are really only helpful in collection storage or exhibition situations where people are frequently using pallet jacks, lifting boxes, climbing ladders or moving heavier things that can potentially smush toes. Otherwise I think requiring closed toes and flat rubber sole would be general enough to enable personnel to be safe from slipping and prevent damage to the structure. 


-----Original Message-----
>From: "Sarah M. Allen Sarah Allen Museum Technician Knife River Indian
>              Villages NHS Stanton, ND 58571-0009 701.745.3300" <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Mar 3, 2009 6:43 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Safety and Footwear
>
>Hello all,
>
>I have a question about museum staff footwear, mostly as related to the
>living history/historic site type (full room furnishings in historic
>structures, etc.). It recently has become a concern to other non museum
>staff at my site that the curatorial staff is not wearing boots with a
>reinforced or steel toe. I have never thought to worry about my toes being
>damaged while inspecting and or cleaning the exhibits, and quite frankly am
>not persuaded it is a serious work hazard. We have a uniform and part of it
>is issued by our employer, however, due to our need for a low tread and
>soft sole(for walking on historic floor coverings), the curatorial staff
>usually gets their own boots out of pocket.
>
>My question is, how many of you encourage (or insist) your employees wear
>reinforced or steel toed boots? Is this a legitimate concern other museums
>have? Are there any museums that require them? Thanks for your time.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Sarah
>
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