KLM is an international airline with thousands of employees in a wide range of roles. Much of the work is carried out at the airport, where staff walk long distances every day and work in a variety of conditions. Good work shoes and healthy feet are therefore important for remaining safe, comfortable and able to work sustainably.

Healthy and safe at work

The collaboration arose from a clear need identified on the shop floor. Staff regularly experienced problems with their feet, knees, hips and back. Together, movement scientists and podiatrists investigated the causes of these problems.

This study revealed that safety footwear was not always suitable for the work being carried out. Many employees also wore their own arch supports in their work shoes. As a result, the shoes no longer always met the safety requirements for which they had been certified.

Together with KLM, a carefully selected range of safety footwear has therefore been put together which is suitable for various types of work and into which, where necessary, certified podiatric inserts can be fitted.

On-site care

An important part of the partnership is the Rondom in Bedrijf clinic at the KLM site. Staff can visit this clinic for advice on foot health, safety footwear and podiatric care.

Where necessary, KLM staff can book an appointment for a medical examination or treatment straight away. Staff also receive expert advice on suitable safety footwear and how to prevent health issues.

The partnership has recently been expanded to include Schijvens, KLM’s supplier of workwear and safety footwear. Together, the footwear collection has been reassessed, with Rondom advising on healthy and safe footwear that is suited to employees’ work activities.

Working together towards sustainable employability

KLM has made a conscious decision to invest in the health of its staff. Through preventive care, advice and suitable safety footwear, health issues are identified at an earlier stage and, where possible, prevented.

This partnership demonstrates that attention to foot health is about more than just comfort. Good safety footwear and timely support contribute to a safe working environment, fewer physical complaints and a lower risk of absenteeism. This ensures that staff remain happy, healthy and confident at work.

Would you like to find out more about KLM or about occupational health in practice? Take a look at the website by KLM.