The first thing that comes into our minds when we hear of workplace shoes is heavy duty footwear including steel toe boots. These shoes have reinforced toes that protect one’s feet from some hazards like heavy objects. These are personal protective equipment used in many constructions and industrial work sites.
Some people fail to recognize the importance of shoes at the workplace and end up concentrating on eye-wear and gloves. If you doubt the value of investing in footwear at the workplace, then you should be informed because foot injuries can result in one not attending work or even difficulty in performing the given duty. Generally, wearing safety boots at the workplace can prevent numerous foot injuries as follows:
1. Protect from flying and falling objects
In instances where people are carrying heavy materials or in places where many machines, vehicles or people are performing some tasks, it’s obvious that flying and falling objects are common. Wearing safety boots can effectively prevent workers from getting crush injuries on their feet.
2. Protection from punctures
You may find that the workplace has some sharp objects that can be stepped on or fall from above. Here, you require heavy duty boots with thick materials that will provide the best protection in the feet. For instance, in a construction site, there are usually many sharp objects around. Wearing a soft soled boot can’t offer enough protection.
3. Protection from cutting materials
Machines that contain moving and sharp parts can cause harm to the workers. For instance, in the wood logging industry, there are feet dangers associated with chainsaws. In case the chainsaw comes into contact with someone’s foot, then the result can be very catastrophic. You require logging boots in this case that are made with cut-resistant materials in order to protect the operator who uses the chainsaws.
4. Protection from electrical injuries
Electricity can bring some risks and disasters in the workplace. The workers can face electrical shocks or even accumulate static electricity, which might result in electric sparks in some environments.
In order to reduce electrical accidents, then non-conductive footwear that is made from rubber, leather or other materials is required. In environments where static buildup is common and possess a risk on the workers, then anti-static footwear is required. They normally reduce the static amount that accumulates on a worker’s body, while preventing static electric sparks.
5. Prevent slips, falls, and trips
Slips falls and trips can occur in some working environments and result in accidents. It’s important for businesses to implement some housekeeping measures and also install anti-slip floor tapes in order to reduce the chances of getting these mishaps. Having the appropriate safety boots can also protect workers against slips, falls and trips. Additionally, wearing working boots that fit you well and are comfortable also improves balance, which prevents slips, falls and trips.
6. Prevent fatigue
In working environments where people stand all day, fatigue can be a real challenge. The muscles in the legs, back, and other places get tired and the situation can worsen if inappropriate footwear is used. Safety boots that offer adequate cushioning and arch support will make workers comfortable and alleviate strain on muscles. This means the workers won’t get fatigued quickly. Workers who are less fatigued tend to be more alert and are also likely to do their work more efficiently.
7. Prevent burns
In some working environments where chemicals are used, burns from a fire can occur easily for instance in workplace materials such as cement. Having safety boots made from durable materials will prevent burns from any chemical or other molten metals that splash.