Wythenshawe Case Study

WearerTech HC Case Study: Wythenshawe Hospital

The Sodexo team at Wythenshawe Hospital faced a tough challenge: keeping staff safe on their feet while balancing budgets and employee satisfaction. Like many healthcare facilities, they grappled with the constant threat of slip-and-fall accidents, rising musculoskeletal injuries, and the financial burden of absenteeism.

Recognising the urgent need for a solution, Sodexo, took action. They were determined to find a way to protect staff, boost morale, and improve efficiency without breaking the bank.

After careful consideration, Sodexo partnered with WearerTech to equip 463 domestic staff with our innovative safety footwear. This case study explores how this initiative transformed the hospital's workplace safety, comfort, and overall performance.

Safety First:
A Slip-Free Zone

 

Wythenshawe Hospital faced a critical challenge: slip-and-fall accidents were costing the facility a fortune. Before WearerTech, the hospital incurred over £200,000 in claims between 2019 and 2024.

Since implementing our safety footwear there has not been a single slip incident. Our UltraGrip technology, boasting the highest HSE rating, has proven to be a game-changer.

Health and Happiness: A Step in the Right Direction

 

Employee wellbeing is paramount. The WearerTech footwear has dramatically reduced musculoskeletal injuries, leading to a decrease in related absences from.

In comparison, another department on the same site that are provided with different footwear experienced 32 absences due to back and foot pain. A total average days off due to musculoskeletal issues reduced from 6 to 2 per month.

Social Values and Savings: A Win-Win

Sodexo are serious about their social values, it is a key consideration within their decision making process. WearerTech’s end of life recycling scheme that provides a custom collection bin and a very efficient recycling scheme.

Additionally the Shoe Aid charity provides eligible products to those in poverty, a great way to be giving back to the community. With a 12-month guarantee and a lower monthly cost compared to alternatives, hospitals can reduce footwear expenses by 50%.

Testimonials

Tim Holtam – Wynthenshawe Sodexo Business Director

‘We considered whether getting staff to transition from their Hush Puppies and so forth to a safety toe cap shoe was too big a transition and whether we needed to go to a non-toe cap slip resistant shoe to start with, but we went for the whole hog, and it’s worked.


To start with there was no budget and then I got a little budget, but I needed a bigger budget to get what we needed. I eventually got the bigger budget, and it has paid off – the result is very good, and it will pay off in the long term.’

Jay Power - Head of Soft Services, Wythenshawe Sodexo  

‘I was really dreading putting the staff into safety shoes but out of 480 staff I think there were only 5 that pushed back!’

Phillip Rowlands - Domestic supervisors at Wythenshawe Hospital Sodexo

'It helped that all managers started wearing them – staff went from not wanting to wear safety shoes to – when are mine coming?'

Kashif Haque - Director of Change, Innovation & Improvement - Manchester NHS Foundation Trust

'Muscular-skeletal injuries are the largest reason for people off work, so makes good sense’

Tony Murray Operational Support Manager 

'I like the new safety shoes, they’re light and come with great attachments. I can tell money has been invested for our safety equipment. I had to use a pair while I was helping with deliveries and even with a broken toe at the time I thought they were better than any other safety shoes I have worn before'

Key Outcomes

Safety Improvements

- No slip incidents in the first 6 months of implementation

- Prior to the rollout, based on claims received, slip incidents have resulted in costs exceeding £200,000 from 2019 to 2024.

Employee satisfaction and health

- 66% improvement in absenteeism due to musculoskeletal issues. Average days off per month reduced from 6 to 2.

- Comparative department saw a average of 5 absences due to back and foot pain with non-WearerTech shoes.

Summary Of Benefits

Reduction in Slips: No slip incidents in the first 6 months of implementation.

Reduction in Replacement Costs: Monthly cost reduced by 50%.

Reduction in Days Off: 66% improvement in absenteeism due to musculoskeletal issues. Average days off per month reduced from 6 to 2.

A collaborative success concluded

The WearerTech safety shoe initiative at Sodexo is a testament to their commitment to safety, health, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. With a dramatic reduction in slips, improved employee wellbeing, and substantial savings, it’s clear that this has been a successful project.

It doesnt stop here, WearerTech’s dedicated account management team played a crucial role in the successful rollout and is working on continuous improvement projects in collaboration with Sodexo management . Their support ensured a smooth transition and ongoing satisfaction for Wythenshawe Hospital staff.

If you want to learn more about our shoes and experience the difference for your staff, please contact us at hello@wearertech.com.