When you hear the words “work shoes” what is the first thing you think of? If you’re like most people your first thought is heavy-duty work boots, such as steel toe boots. These type of boots are designed with reinforced toes that help protect your feet from being crushed or severed by falling heavy objects and are required by employers at most industrial and construction worksites.
There are actually various types of shoes that exist, designed to keep you safe while you work, not just steel toe boots. Some boots have special soles to provided added traction while others provide better arch support or are designed to keep you from getting electrocuted. In order to find the right foot protection for your work environment, you’ll need to determine what type of risks you’ll be facing on a daily basis, such as slipping and falling or heavy objects. You should also ask your supervisor if there are specific safety shoes required for your job site.
While boots may not seem as critical to workplace safety as wearing protective gloves or eyewear, but they are. If you’re still not convinced that having the right work boots is important, here are some of the ways they can protect you:
- Protect you from Falling Heavy Objects
When workers have to carry heavy objects or work in an environment where various people, machines, and vehicles are moving around at once, falling objects are common hazards. Wearing steel toe boots can effectively prevent serious injuries to your toes.
- Protect you from Punctures
When working in an environment where sharp objects are common, such as construction sites, wearing safety boots is essential. It can prevent your feet from being punctured if you happen to accidentally step on a sharp object, such as a nail. A soft-soled shoe offers absolutely no protection from punctures.
- Protect you from cutting Hazards.
Workers who deal with machines that are sharp and have moving parts face serious cutting hazards. Those who work in the logging industry use chainsaws, which could cause catastrophic injury if it were to accidentally come in contact with someone’s foot. Logging boots, which are required by OSHA under standard 29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(v), are made with cut-resistant material in order to protect workers who use chainsaws. These type of boots are often waterproof or at least water repellant, and offer added ankle support.
- Protect you from Electrical Hazards
Workers who work with electricity cannot wear regular work boots. They have to be extra cautious in order to avoid electric shocks or the buildup of static electricity. In order to prevent electrical accidents, these workers have to wear non-conductive, or electrical hazard rated, work boots. Those type of boots are made from a combination of leather, rubber, and other materials that do not conduct electricity. Employees who work in environments where there may be a build-up of static must wear anti-static work boots.
- Prevents Trips, Slips, and Falls
Trips, slips, and falls can happen in any work environment. Some employers choose to install anti-slip floor tape in order to reduce the risk of workers slipping. Work boots equipped with slip resistant soles help prevent slip and fall accidents. Some work boots also have special treads and heels to help prevent falls from ladders.
- Prevents Fatigue
Workers who have to stand all day should wear appropriate footwear to prevent fatigue. Work boots that provide adequate cushioning and arch support can ensure workers are comfortable, alleviating strain on muscles. This will ensure employees are less fatigued and more alert, allowing them to do their jobs more safety. Wearing the proper work boots can also help prevent lower back pain caused by muscle strain.
- Prevents Burns
There are two types of burns a worker can suffer from in the workplace, those caused by fire and those caused by chemicals. Wearing the right work boots can help prevent these burns and will keep your feet safe while you work.
- Protect you from Extreme Weather
Workers who work in extremely cold conditions must wear the proper work boots or they may end up suffering from frost bite or hypothermia. Luckily there are insulated work boots that can help keep your feet warm even in the coldest weather. Some workers also have to deal with rain on a regular basis, which is why they should choose waterproof work boots.
Hopefully, after reading this post you’re now convinced that wearing proper work boots is important in order to avoid a hazard or injury.
We at Coastal Boot understand how important safety is, which is why we offer a wide selection of work boots (including safety toe boots) that are both stylish and comfortable. We have brands such as Georgia Boot, Timberland, Caterpillar, Chippewa Boots, Dan Post Boots, Danner, Dr. Martens, Harley-Davidson, Iron Age, Keen, Thorogood, and many more. Give us a call today at 1 (800) 972-7627 to place an order over the phone or go to our website, and place your order online.
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