As an Architect, my understanding of OSHA and footwear is to protect one from slip hazards or from falling debris. In my opinion if your employer is telling you that you cannot wear "crocs", they either feel that the shoes have slippery soles or are using OSHA as an excuse because they don't have the cajones to tell you that they don't like you wearing the shoes.
Here is the path to specific OSHA section you're looking for with its text below:
www.osha.gov
OSHA STANDARD 1910.136 General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
Dave
Here is the path to specific OSHA section you're looking for with its text below:
www.osha.gov
OSHA STANDARD 1910.136 General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
Dave