Safety shoes are an integral part of safety at work in many organizations around the world. Certain work environments prescribe individuals to wear safety clothing whilst they are on their premises so as to comply with health and safety regulations. The work wear and protective wear required will naturally depend on the hazards that the workplace presents. The safety clothing and accessories (in this case shoes) needed by site Engineers on site thus differs from one establishment to the next as does the type and level of required safety equipment. One of the most important safety items used in almost all work environments are safety shoes. The level of safety provided by the shoes largely influence the type of footwear needed. Most safety boots or shoes are made from a durable material like leather or Polyurethane. The outer material of the safety shoe is resistant to water, oil and any other chemicals or materials that may come into contact with it or pose a safety risk in the workplace. A Protective Footwear’s sole is designed in such a way that it is slip resistant and heat resistant. The sole also has anti-puncture qualities that prevent sharp objects from penetrating through the sole. Here’s a lowdown on the important reasons that will gently urge you to wear safety shoes at work.
1. Injuries
Foot injuries are a common workplace injury that don’t wait for you to take precautionary measures since they come in all shapes and sizes, some of which include punctures, lacerations, crushing, sprains, and falls. This is the case with industries where employees are exposed to hazards such as falling objects, sharp objects that could pierce the sole of a shoe, or electric shocks vis-à-vis a semblance of electrical hazards. Wearing Steel-toed safety shoes help prevent a wide range of injuries from falling objects. They can also aid in preventing injuries due to slips and falls, lacerations, burns, and even punctures. A sturdy and reliable safety shoe makes it more difficult for injuries such as these to occur.
2. Comfort
You can still be safe without sacrificing an iota of your comfort. There are several ways to improve the comfort level of your feet while keeping them protected. Be sure to choose the right shoe size, make sure your boots are long enough and cover the area well past your ankles. Some socks are ergonomically made to provide maximum comfort while wearing safety boots.
3. Fashionable
Safety shoes are fashionable too. Some reputed brands provide a wide selection of shoes that are appealing to the eyes and have a snazzy look without compromising on the safety aspect. Many safety shoe distributors cover over 50 different models of safety shoes just in the woman’s department.
4. Mandatory
Several guidelines laid down by health and safety experts might require that your workplace encourages all the employees to wear steel-toed boots or safety shoes. To be compliant under prescribed standards, some manual labour industries require safety shoes to prevent or help injury while on the job. For instance, in industries where employees are exposed to hazards such as falling objects, objects that could pierce the sole of a shoe, or electrical hazards. If you’re not wearing steel-toed boots and if they are required to be worn under guidelines, employers are allowed to send their employees home citing strict compliance standards and for not acting in a safe and responsible manner.
5. Alleviates Discomfort
Safety footwear also helps in alleviating discomfort that comes from prolonged standing on hard concrete floors and rough surfaces. It might be hard to digest, but safety boots many-a-times provide extra support and comfort, which can significantly raise overall comfort levels while standing on the job for a long time.
Lastly, any protective equipment that has been proven and tested to prevent injury while on the job should be utilized efficiently, after all safety of an employee in the workplace is the most important aspect of any job.