Croc shoes banned from Swedish hospitals

[SVZ]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/internatio...src=rss&feed=1



Crocs of the type that may be banned in a Swedish hospital. Photograph: David Silverman/Getty


A Swedish hospital wants to ban its staff from wearing Crocs plastic clogs, saying they generate static electricity that can knock out medical equipment. Blekinge hospital in southern Sweden suspects the slip-on shoes, made by US firm Crocs Inc, are to blame for at least three incidents in which respirators and other machines malfunctioned. The mishaps caused no injuries.

Hospital spokesman Bjorn Lofqvist said staff wearing the clogs could turn into "a cloud of lighting" because of the static electricity.

He said there were similar problems with other shoes not designed for hospital use, but the popularity of the Crocs had raised the issue to a new level."It's been a problem for many years, but now there are so many people that have them," he said, adding that officials were discussing whether the shoes should be banned throughout the hospital or just in certain sections.

A spokeswoman for Pforce AB, the Forsberg-controlled company that imports Crocs to Sweden, said the company was performing tests on the shoes.

"We take this very seriously," she said, adding that the shoes were very useful for hospital staff. "They are good to work in and have a shock absorption that really helps people who do strenuous work."

[Sweetie]

That's interesting.
I hate those shoes.

[PurpleHaze]

what?! can this really be? aren't they exaggerating a bit?
i love crocs, not really pretty but soooooooooooooooooo comfortable.

[McJag]

What a croc.

[blissfullyunaware]

Yes, please ban them from hospitals and anywhere else for that matter.

[shedevilang]

^^I agree these are the ugliest shoe ever invented no offense to those who where them lol

[A*O]

MrAO lives in his crocs. His feet are wider than they are long (almost!) so he finds them very comfortable. Daggy, but what can you do?

[shedevilang]

I've heard they are comfy but I just can't bring myself to get a pair even though everyone I know wears them I just think they are fugly

[VenusInFauxFurs]

My kiddo loves his bright yellow crocs, he gets upset that he can't wear them to school.

[DeChayz]

I would rather walk barefoot through a hill of fireants than wear those abominations

[Mariesoleil]

I would rather walk barefoot through a hill of fireants than wear those abominations

Ditto. I don't see what people see in them.

[Sleuth]

i got my wisdom teeth out on friday and the nurse on duty was wearing a pair of bright pink ones. I had no idea that those shoes would be allowed in the first place but the nurse did look pretty comfortable. But i also get the impression that the article was slightly exaggerated.

[blissfullyunaware]

Ditto. I don't see what people see in them.

I think that these stupid shoes are too hyped up. Someone decided these were cool and now it seems that alot of people want them now.

[SVZ]

are you allowed to wear sandals in hospitals?

[McJag]

are you allowed to wear sandals in hospitals?

Yes, but no toe cleavage.