Vienna hospitals call ‘Crocs’ dangerous

The director of technical services for all Viennese hospitals and clinics has banned Crocs, the plastic clogs popular with healthcare staff.

Technical evaluations have shown that the shoes are not antistatic and could interfere with the functioning of electronic equipment, said Peter Woelfl, safety spokesman for the Viennese Hospital Authority.

The ban on the colorful, holey sandals will be stringently enforced in operating rooms, intensive care units, and the radiology department where antistatic clothing is mandatory, Mr. Woelfl said, adding that the Crocs’ kibosh was a preventative measure and not in response to an adverse event.

An Austrian-based Crocs’ spokesman said the company was developing an antistatic model.