A Hygiene Officer from WorkSafeBC visited Menno Place. She is a health and safety expert who focuses on keeping people safe in healthcare workplaces.

After two people got hurt in our kitchens, WorkSafeBC gave us an order. This means they told us we had to do something important: check everyone’s shoes to see if they are safe for work.

A WorkSafeBC order is a legal document. It means we are required by law to follow the instructions given. If we don’t, there could be penalties.

We used a “gold standard” of safe shoes to compare what people were wearing. Our health and safety program also reminds everyone of their three important rights:

1. The Right to Know – You have the right to know about hazards like slippery floors, heavy carts, or hot liquids.

2. The Right to Participate – You can join training, safety committees, or help with audits.

3. The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work – If something doesn’t feel safe, you can say no and report it.

To help you stay safe, we are making these changes:

Footwear Guidelines

  • Non-slip shoes are strongly recommended in all work areas.
  • Shoes must have a tread that is not worn out.
  • Mesh is discouraged unless it is waterproof.
  • Shoes should be comfortable and support your work.
  • WorkSafe BC has the right to decline claims if unsafe footwear is worn.

You can read the full Menno Place dress code on sharepoint.

Ongoing Shoe Monitoring

  • We will have quarterly internal shoe audits.
  • Managers will check shoes randomly during monthly safety checks and offer suggestions, if required.

Reimbursement Program

  • As a thank you for investing in your safety, we would like to reimburse employees who bought work safe shoes between April 12 and May 23, 2025.*
  • The reimbursement amount will be up to a maximum of $75.
  • This reimbursement is a one-time initiative.

* The maintenance team is exempt from this reimbursement. Section 7.05.4 of the collective agreement applies to these employees.

You must complete an expense report and provide a receipt. Please speak to your manager if you do not have a receipt.

Individuals who purchased shoes from April 10, 2025 to May 23, 2025 can claim a reimbursement.

To download the reimbursement form:
1. Go to sharepoint using the iLinks on the staff site

2. On sharepoint search for “reimbursement” and click FORMS & TEMPLATES

Scroll down until you see an Excel doc called Expense Reimbursement 2025.

Click the link to download the form.  Enter your contact info in the section at the top. Then put the information about your shoe purchase in the section labelled OTHER EXPENSES. Print the form. Sign it. Get your manager’s signature and then hand in the form AND YOUR ORIGINAL RECIEPT to the finance office located in Terrace East.

You can talk to:

  • Our Health & Safety Specialist – Denise (worksafe[at]mennoplace.ca)
  • Your union shop steward
  • Members of the Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee
  • The Executive Director of People and Culture: Loradonna