What must food workers wear to prevent slips, trips, and falls?

Food workers must wear slip-resistant shoes to effectively prevent slips, trips, and falls in a kitchen or food service environment. These types of shoes are specifically designed with materials and tread patterns that enhance traction on slippery surfaces, which are common in settings where water, oil, and food debris may be present.

The importance of slip-resistant footwear cannot be understated, as falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in the workplace, especially in food service establishments where spills frequently occur. Wearing slip-resistant shoes helps ensure a stable footing, reducing the likelihood of accidents that can result from losing traction.

The other options do not provide the same level of safety. Heavy-duty boots might offer protection from heavy objects or hot liquids, but they may not have the slip-resistant features that are crucial for a safe working environment. Casual sneakers can vary significantly in design and may not provide the specialized traction needed in a food service environment. Wool socks, while comfortable, do not offer any protective qualities or traction and can actually contribute to slipping if worn with inappropriate footwear.