ORTHOPAEDIC SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL FOOTWEAR ACCORDING TO ÖNORM Z1259

THE TASK

Occupational and safety footwear is considered personal protective equipment (PPE) by law. These must be subjected to a type examination and provided with a CE marking (e.g. safety shoes according to EN 20345 in the latest valid version). Modifications to the shoe are not permitted, as the test is only valid for the type-compliant product. In Austria, the national standard ÖNORM Z 1259 was created to enable people who require orthopedic care to wear safety shoes that conform to the standard. This provides legal certainty for both the employer and the orthopedic shoemaker (OSM).

THE SOLUTION

Rukapol® has always placed the highest value on optimal foot ergonomics in safety shoes. On-site Rukapol® foot measurement and the five different shoe widths per shoe size significantly reduce the need for additional orthopedic shoes.

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With the know-how from decades of experience in the production of safety shoes and the knowledge of our orthopedic shoemaker, we have developed a modular system that on the one hand ensures the safety of the wearer and on the other hand also meets the needs of the wearer - from an orthopedic point of view.

THE PROCEDURE ACCORDING TO Z 1259

The risk assessment (evaluation) of workplaces for orthopedic safety shoes is the responsibility of the employer. In accordance with the prescription bill received from the patient (employee) (general practitioner, specialist, etc.) and the user certificate (employer's certificate on the required level of protection according to the evaluation), the orthopedic shoemaker receives the required kit of an already type-tested safety shoe and manufactures the shoe with the corresponding finishing, according to the manufacturing instructions provided by Rukapol®.

Rukapol® offers three kit variants according to Z 1259:

•  Variant A - orthopedic insole
•  Variant B - trimming using a kit-

                         semi-finished product

• Variant C - individual made-to-measure shoe using

                        of type-tested materials

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THE ASSUMPTION OF COSTS

In accordance with the provisions of the Austrian Occupational Safety and Health Act (ASchG), the employer must ensure that the PPE is adapted as necessary and must bear the costs. The accident insurance institutions (AUVA) can cover the costs of orthopedically adjusted safety shoes if foot damage is the result of an occupational accident or disease (for more detailed information, please contact the relevant accident insurance institution).