How Safety Shoes Provide The Correct Protection At Work

Industrial safety shoes

In certain workplaces, the right footwear is crucial to ensure the safety of workers, particularly those who work in environments where heavy goods are handled.

There are many different types of shoe available but they all provide protection in the right way but selecting the right shoe is important but understanding how they can protect you is vital.

Falling objects

Many workplaces require staff to carry heavy objects and handle large machinery and so this can increase the risk of flying objects or dropped objects causing damage to feet. Footwear such as steel toe boots will offer the protection required.

Punctured footwear

Sharp objects are a risk in some injuries and walking on a sharp object without the correct footwear, a sharp object can puncture the shoe and enter the foot. Safety boots with heavy duty soles will offer the best protections.

Cutting risks

Handling machinery or tools that have sharp moving parts puts people at risk of cutting themselves. Workers that handle chainsaws are a good example as a chainsaw could cut through a foot but wearing footwear that consists of cut-resistant material will protect those workers.

Electrical risks

Electricity is a massive risk to anyone especially those who work with electricity or works in a job where electrocution is a risk. Non- conductive footwear that is made from leather or rubber will not conduct electricity and so, this will prevent electric shocks through the feet.

Falls and slips

A trip, slip or fall can happen anywhere but businesses can combat this by installing anti-slip floor tape to reduce the risk, however, the correct footwear will enhance protection in the right way.

Shoes that have the correct traction will help to improve grip in those environments that become wet and slippery. They are particularly useful for those people who have to work at height in a wet environment.

Reduced muscle tension and tiredness

Standing around all day on hard surfaces can be extremely tiresome. It affects the muscles in the legs and feet as well as the back and it can cause further problems, highlighting just how important the right footwear can be. Footwear that has cushioned soles and support for the arches of the feet will improve comfort and this relieves any stress and tension on the muscles. It will mean that employees do not become tired so quickly allowing them to work safely and efficiently.

Stop burns

Chemicals and fire can lead to burns; even cement can have the same effect, making the correct footwear an important addition to the workplace uniform. Footwear that consists of materials that are durable will help to reduce the chances of being burnt by chemicals or other substances.

Extreme weather protection

The weather can go from one extreme to the other. Cold weather can cause frostbite and hypothermia and this is a serious risk for those who work outdoors and in refrigerated environments.

The cold can bring on other problems that can all inhibit the way in which people work and this can mean that they do not work as efficiently as they could. Therefore, it is important to select the correct footwear for this as not all footwear is insulated or waterproof.

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Peter Scully

Marketing Director at SF Media
Keen author and blogger. Peter writes on a number of topics he has a personal interest in, including brand promotion, marketing, social media, online marketing and small business advertising.