The last post I held down was IT Manager in an aluminium foundry, for thirteen years. All of the workshop areas required the wearing of safety shoes, of a specific model with metatarsal protection, and safety glasses. Several areas required ear protection, due to the noise levels to be found there, either permanent or punctual, as measured by competent authorities. No-one was allowed into any of these areas without these equipments, anyone flouting these rules would be escorted away; repeats would be a disciplinary matter, up to and including dismissal. These were not simply 'house rules', they are part and parcel of the French H & S regulations, and apply everywhere in France. I'd be very surprised if there were not similar measures in place in UK workplaces. I see no reason to exempt artists from these precautions.