When and how often should companies provide work shoes and clothing to their employees?

One of the key factors that determines the smooth operation and results of businesses is the satisfaction of their employees. Observing conditions that prioritise respect for their rights, fostering a positive environment and meeting their safety needs is essential to achieving this. 

In this latter respect, appropriate workwear and footwear improve comfort and reduce workplace accidents. When is the employer responsible for providing workwear? How often should it be replaced to promote professionals’ wellbeing and protection? Let’s take a look.

What does the law say about providing workwear to employees? 

The health, safety and wellbeing of Spanish workers are governed by different regulations, although there is no specific legislation relating to workwear. However, there are three laws in Spain that contain provisions applicable to this situation. 

Workers’ Statute

This is the basic legislation governing employment rights, which all companies in Spain are required to comply with. The Workers’ Statute does not contain a specific section on employees’ clothing, although Article 19 states that the employer is obliged to guarantee the worker’s health and safety in all aspects related to their work. 

Occupational Risk Prevention Act

It establishes the general principles that must be met to promote the safety and health of all workers. Specifically, Article 17 of the Law 31/1995 on Occupational Risk Prevention highlights the obligation of employers to provide workers with suitable protective equipment for carrying out their activity when necessary. 

Royal Decree 773/1997

This regulation concerns personal protective equipment. Royal Decree 773/1997 sets out the minimum safety provisions for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work. Article 3 specifies that employers must determine which jobs require PPE and establishes the obligation to “provide workers free of charge with the personal protective equipment they must use, replacing it when necessary”

Individual contracts and collective agreements

Both contracts and collective agreements may include details on providing safety clothing or footwear to workers, the respective obligations of employers and employees and even the periods in which they must be replaced. 

What factors determine how often companies provide work clothing and footwear?

Specifically, PPE reduces workers’ risk of workplace accidents, making it necessary in critical sectors such as industry, hospitality or shops and supermarkets, among others. Royal Decree 773/1997 establishes workers’ obligation to use and care for it correctly. The frequency with which clothing and footwear must be provided, however, depends on various factors.   

Nature of the work

Environmental conditions or exposure to certain substances may require clothing or footwear to be replaced frequently. 

Wear due to intensity of use

Depending on the type of task, some protective equipment may deteriorate early. Selecting footwear for working on your feet for long hours in advance, for example, helps extend replacement intervals. 

Changes to working conditions

Where it is necessary to work with new machinery or products, it is advisable to change clothing and footwear so that they are suited to the new situation. 

Requests from workers

When an employee states that their PPE is in poor condition or uncomfortable, it is advisable to offer an alternative that can improve their comfort and safety.

Manufacturer’s instructions

These recommendations concerning service life or conditions of use and maintenance should be taken into account by the company and its workers.

How Shoes For Crews makes it easier to provide footwear for workers

The advantages of opening a business account for professional footwear orders with Shoes For Crews are varied and offer considerable benefits for both workers and employers. There are different options that make it easier to purchase footwear.

1. Full payment by the company

The employer covers the full cost of workers’ footwear, gaining access to significant overall savings through the use of the business account.

2. Subsidised payment

The employer gives employees a voucher and the cost of the footwear is shared between both parties.

3. Payroll deduction 

The cost of the shoes to be worn by the worker is deducted from their salary in instalments.

4. Employee benefits 

Shoes For Crews’ customised company website allows workers to purchase footwear at a competitive price. 

At Shoes For Crews, we offer a wide catalogue of professional footwear tailored to the needs of your sector and your workers. Contact us and we will provide personalised advice.