Had an whiteware appliance agent come to look at a defective piece of whiteware today. When they were asked to remove their shoes, as they would be walking on brand new carpet they said they couldn't due to health and safety. Also had other tradespeople working in the house,  and they all voluntarily removed their shoes. Does this sound right, or is health and safety now being used as an excuse for everything? Anyone else come across this? Instead had them put down cardboard but they didn't come prepared with anything to protect carpet where they walked, even though they have this policy for not removing shoes. Or they come with indoor shoes. I can understand they don't want to step on anything sharp, bu indoor shoes or slipper would fix that, or even those platic blag things you stick over shoes. It was also a wet day. I know some cultures like Japanese families require shoes to be removed when entering, which IMO is a good idea.