Wichita Safety Shoe FAQs

Q. I'm not an hourly employee, but I walk/work in a mandatory safety shoe area. Can I still be reimbursed?
A. No. This program is only for hourly IAM-represented Boeing employees.

Q. How do I get reimbursed for safety shoes?
A. Buy them and submit an original itemized sales receipt, along with a completed reimbursement application form.

Q. I play basketball and racquetball on the weekends and found a great tennis shoe with superior court traction. They say slip-resistant on the box. Do they qualify for reimbursement?
A. No, the shoes purchased need to be an industrial grade type safety shoe and/or boot to qualify.

Q. How do I know if the shoes I want to purchase qualify as "approved" reimbursable safety shoes?
A. Refer to the safety shoe example sheet on the web site to make sure you are purchasing approved safety shoes. Most industrial safety shoes are clearly marked as such on the shoe itself, the box or in technical/specific information associated with the shoes. Simply asking the sales clerk if they qualify does not guarantee they are approved safety shoes.

Q. Has anyone's shoe purchases ever been denied for reimbursement because they didn't meet approval requirements? If so, who would make that decision?
A. Yes, it's a fairly rare occurrence but it does happen on occasion. The HSI Staff in conjunction with the local HSI Leadership makes the decision.

Q. Where can I buy my safety shoes?
A. At any retail store of your choice or from a company-sponsored shoe vendor.

Q. What if I don't have an original itemized sales receipt? Can a copy of the original be used?
A. No, a copy is not acceptable.

Q. How do I get a shoe reimbursement application?
A. Applications are available from the Union Steward bulletin boards, The Health & Safety Institute Site Committee members, at the Local Lodge 834 Union Hall or The Health & Safety Institute office. A printable form is also available here.

Q. My supervisor is not available. Who else can sign the form?
A. Your acting supervisor or manager.

Q. Where do I submit my application?
A. Send your completed application with the original sales receipt to the HSI office located at 4615 S. Oliver St.,  PO Box 7730   Wichita, KS 67210 or inter-plant mail it to HSI at M/C: K29-03 in Wichita.

Q. Can I save up my reimbursement applications for more than one year and turn them in for reimbursement?
A. No. You may submit only one application for safety shoes purchased during any calendar year (Jan. 1st through Dec. 31st).

Q. How will I get my check and how long will it take to process my reimbursement?
A. Normal processing time is about three to six weeks and will be reflected in your regular Boeing paycheck.