For safety on construction sites, what type of footgear should be discouraged?

In construction environments, safety is paramount, especially when it comes to personal protective equipment, which includes footgear. Leather-soled shoes should be discouraged because they tend to provide less traction compared to other types of shoes specifically designed for construction work. The smooth, hard soles of leather shoes can increase the risk of slips and falls, especially on uneven surfaces or in wet conditions commonly found on construction sites.

Additionally, leather-soled shoes may not offer adequate protection against heavy objects that could fall or roll onto a worker's feet, leading to potential injuries. Unlike steel-toed boots, which are designed to protect the toes in case of heavy impacts, leather-soled shoes lack this essential safety feature. In contrast, footwear such as steel-toed boots or rubber-soled shoes are specifically engineered to provide safety and stability, ensuring that workers remain protected in hazardous conditions often present in construction work. Sandals are also unsuitable for construction sites due to their open design, leaving feet exposed to potential injuries.