High Heels ‘Dangerous For Women At Work’
Reported September 15, 2009
Women should not be forced to wear high heels at work because they can cause health problems, according to an industry body at the Trades Union Congress.
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists will warn delegates that height-boosting shoes are “hazardous” and women should be able to wear “sensible and comfortable” footwear instead.
“This is a serious issue for women in the workplace, ” said Eddie Saville, the society’s director of employment relations.
“We want to ensure women workers are never forced to wear high heels.”
Many employees are forced to stand for hours in heels while at work, causing pain in their lower legs that the society says leads to the loss of approximately two million working days a year.
High heels are known to cause foot problems such as blisters, corns and calluses, which can lead to more serious issues like foot, knee and back pain and damaged joints.
A motion at the TUC will ask employers to work with their unions to make sure these health risks are addressed.
The Liverpool conference attracts hundreds of delegates from around the country, representing over six million working people in the UK.
