The human foot is one of the most complex parts of the body. There are 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 ligaments, muscles, and tendons in each foot. To put that in context: the human body features 206 bones. That means 52 of them are in your feet.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website LONGLAST.
Safety shoes protect your feet — and the rest of you — from injury both over the short and long-term. OSHA demands that workers wear safety shoes in specific circumstances, such as when there is a risk of an object piercing your sole or when there’s a crush hazard.
In this PPE guide, we’re talking about foot safety: what it is, why it’s necessary, and how to get started with safety shoes.
Let’s step to it.
OSHA :136(a) says the employer must ensure every affected employee wears protective footwear in any place where they are at risk of foot injuries or when footwear will protect them from electrical hazards. Workers must also wear them when there’s exposure to hot, corrosive, or poisonous materials
Additionally, OSHA 29 CFR .156(a) says “workers must wear protective footwear in areas where falling or rolling objects or objects piercing the sole.”
Remember that when you’re talking about footwear, you’re not just talking about safety shoes and steel toe boots. In cases where workers could face injuries to their lower legs and ankles, you must also include PPE to cover legs and feet.
OSHA requires you to use a PPE assessment or hazard assessment to determine the risk of injury, the need for PPE, and the type of footwear employees need before the job.
What footwear do you need to choose? According to OSHA .136, your footwear must comply with any one of these standards:
If the chosen protective footwear doesn’t specifically meet these standards, then you must prove it is at least as effective as the footwear that does.
There’s no doubt you’ll find a long list of safety shoes on the market. Your job is to use a JHA or another risk assessment to find the right footwear features.
In cases where the risk of injury is high and the hazards are severe, you may need to provide a combination foot and shin guard in addition to toe guards. Foot and shin guards protect workers’ legs and feet. An example of an appropriate time to add foot-shin guards include when workers use power tools that throw off materials, such as when railroad workers use railroad power adzing machines. Forestry workers also need specialty shoes for extra protection against chainsaws.
Note: Slip-resistance is a great feature for a shoe, and if your work environment warrants it, then go get it. However, it’s important to note that OSHA says shoes with a slip-resistant feature alone aren’t PPE.
The soles of the safety shoes play a substantial difference in the protection qualities of the shoe. The chart below
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) creates standards for safety footwear both in the U.S. and around the world. Organized in , the organization offers 12,000 new standards every year and has membership from governments, industries, and institutions in 140 countries.
We put together a quick overview of the protection standards definitions and the ASTM features you’ll typically look for when buying safety shoes.
The space and depth of the shoe’s tread contribute to its anti-slip properties. If the shapes of the outsole are too close together or shallow, then there’s not enough spaces to channel any liquids you walk through. Once the liquid gets trapped, you risk hydroplaning and then a slip or fall.
In most cases, you want a tread of around three millimeters to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
Once the tread depth starts to wear, it’s time to start considering a replacement.
Using footwear to mitigate risks associated with identifiable hazards is step one. Finding a product that’s comfortable is step two.
Foot comfort is more important than we often give it credit for because our big focus tends to lie on preventing foot safety disasters, like crushed feet or electrocution.
Safety shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. In fact, they are one and the same. For example, standing in the same place puts workers at risk for back problems, arthritis, and foot pain. These are injuries, even if they happen over many months or years rather than in one fell swoop.
Plus, if the safety shoes provided aren’t comfortable, then they’re less likely to wear them, which increases their safety risk and can lead to violations if caught out by an OSHA inspector.
To prevent your safety shoes from causing problems at work, you should find shoes that also prioritize:
Some of these factors come down to the shoe itself. Not every workers’ feet will feel good in one pair of shoes. You may find it helpful to try out multiple vendors and give workers options.
Fit is a little bit easier to navigate. It’s a good idea to ask professionals to measure employees’ feet to get the right size. Schedule their fittings for midday in case their feet swell during the day.
Finally, go on the hunt for safety footwear designed for women. For years, women simply put on men’s shoes: they simply took a smaller size. Lately, there’s been an increase in manufacturer interest in ‘female-friendly’ safety shoes. So, get in touch with your supplier about these new options.
Many people still think that workplace injuries can’t happen to them. They think of injuries as accidents. In reality, injuries are most commonly the product of a series of choices. Because foot protection tends to be overlooked, it’s good to reiterate its importance and potential hazards in toolbox talks to empower workers to make the safe choice every time.
First, every new employee should know the expectations around safety footwear before they start the job. If you don’t have footwear and foot hazards covered in your onboarding safety training session, then today is the day to add it.
Keep in mind that “one and done” isn’t enough given the severity of hazards, even those that seem minor. So, add these talks to the schedule multiple times per year. For example, if you work in a state with harsh winters, then autumn is a good time to re-run a toolbox talk before the winter snow and rain adds chaos and slippery surfaces to the workday.
You should also run toolbox talks covering the specific safety hazards impacting employees’ feet. Use your JHA results to deliver the appropriate training to each group of workers — and don’t forget to cover the comfort element and its associated risks that apply to all workers.
If you’re looking for ways to step up your foot safety program, use the Safesite app. You can find PPE training in the Safesite toolbox talks. The app lets you run meetings, stay on track, and log who has and hasn’t completed their training.
Safesite also recommends logging positive observations when you see workers choosing the right footwear, wearing it correctly, and inspecting it before use. Logging these observations gives you a chance to evaluate your weaknesses and reward workers for making safer choices.
For more steel toe pvc bootsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
If you don’t already have one, now is the time to set up a Foot Protection and Safety Footwear program that covers all employees working in conditions covered by the OSHA footwear guidelines. The program will make sure everyone has the PPE they need for safety and compliance, and it will help you maximize the investment you make.
As you know, OSHA began requiring employers to pay for PPE that’s used to comply with OSHA standards back in . That’s why you need to pay for metatarsal protection for railroad workers, but you don’t need to pay for standard steel toe or non-slip shoes for general workers — unless you want to.
Tip: Providing a safety footwear allowance for all workers regardless of OSHA requirements does make workplaces safer.
Your safety footwear management plan should detail:
You should know who needs and has what pair of shoes and when they got them to manage your inventory and stay on budget.
Safesite put together a guide to creating a PPE management plan. You can find our PPE management post here.
So far, we’ve talked about the need for safety shoes and how to begin the process of choosing the right PPE. The lifecycle of PPE use also includes caring for shoes.
All PPE requires regular inspections to make sure it’s safe to use. Every worker should inspect their shoes before heading onto the site to look for:
Any one of these issues damages the protective features of the shoes. If they find a hole or other damage, they need new shoes before they can start work. You may find it’s a good idea to add the inspection at the end of the day, so you can order more shoes before the next shift.
When do shoes need replacing? Workers cannot wear shoes with
Of course, everyone wants to make the most of their shoes — they aren’t cheap. To get a long life out of your shoes without compromising safety, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Safety shoes protect workers from foot hazards, slip and falls, and even ergonomic hazards. You do need to provide workers with safety shoes when OSHA indicatres it’s required, but it’s a good idea to provide or train employees on issues like slips, trips, and falls regardless of OSHA rules.
To get your safety footwear program started, you’ll need your JHA. Once you have your requirements, get in touch with manufacturers and suppliers to talk through your options. Don’t be afraid to trial a few pairs of shoes before you commit. Safety shoes can last a long time, so you want them to be fit for purpose from the start.
Are you tired of constantly replacing your work boots? Do your feet ache after a long day on the job? Look no further. In our ultimate guide to choosing the best work boots and overshoes for your job, we’ve gathered all the tips and tricks you need to find durable, comfortable, and affordable work boots that will keep up with even the toughest jobs. And from construction sites to factories, landscaping to home repairs – we’ve got you covered. So put your best foot forward and let’s dive in!
First of all, work boots and overshoes are an important part of industrial jobs that involve being on your feet. They provide support and stability to help prevent injuries, and they also help keep your feet comfortable during long shifts. And with so many different types of work boots and overshoes available, it can be difficult to know which ones are right for your job. This guide will help you choose the best work boots and foot protection for your needs.
And there are two main types of safety toe work boots: steel toe and composite toe. Steel toe boots and shoes are the most common type of safety toe work boots. They’re made with a steel plate in the toe area that protects your feet from being crushed or injured by heavy objects. And series like Steelite Protector shoes from Portwest offer puncture resistance, a steel toecap, and a cushioned midsole for comfort. Composite toe boots have a composite material in the toe area that’s lighter than steel but just as strong. And these types of industrial work boots from brands like Dunlop are worn in industries like construction, roofing, and manufacturing.
In addition, there are many benefits to wearing good quality work boots. For one, they can help protect your feet from injuries. They can also keep your feet comfortable and dry, even when you’re working in tough or wet conditions. And finally, they can help improve your traction and stability, which is important for safety on the job.
Furthermore, there are a few key features to look for when choosing a work boot. First, you want a boot that is comfortable and will not cause any foot pain or blisters. Second, you want a boot that is durable and will not wear down quickly. Third, you want a boot that has good traction so you do not slip and fall on the job. Fourth, you want a boot that is waterproof so your feet stay dry in wet conditions. Waterproof work boots are made with materials like rubber. And lastly, you want a boot that is easy to put on and take off so you can get in and out of your boots quickly.
When you’re on your feet all day, comfort is key. Here are some things to look for when choosing the right work boot:
– A cushioned insole: This will help absorb impact and reduce stress on your feet. For boots that do not come with an insole, there are several options available to add support and cushion. And this includes premium, performance, and three-layer styles from Dunlop.
– Good arch support: This will help reduce fatigue and keep your feet comfortable even when standing for long periods of time.
– A breathable upper: This will allow air to circulate around your feet and help prevent them from getting too sweaty.
Assuming you’ve already found the perfect work boots for your needs, it’s important to take care of them so they can take care of you. Here are some tips for how to maintain your work boots:
1. Clean them regularly. This will help extend the life of your boots and keep them looking good. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Condition them regularly. Just like your skin, leather needs to be conditioned to stay supple and prevent cracking. Use a leather conditioner made specifically for boots and apply it according to the instructions.
3. Protect them from the elements. If you know you’ll be working in wet or muddy conditions, treat your boots with a waterproofing spray before heading out. This will help repel water and mud, and make cleanup easier when you’re done.
4. Don’t forget the laces! Inspect your boot laces regularly for wear and tear, and replace them as needed. Frayed or broken laces can lead to serious injury if they come undone while you’re wearing your boots.
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing work boots. But with so many brands on the market, it can be tough to know which one is the best fit for you. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of our best brands of work boots and overshoes.
1. Dunlop: Dunlop is a well-known name in the construction and industrial industries. Their products are known for being tough and durable, and their work boots are no exception. Dunlop (formerly OnGuard) offers a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find a boot that fits your needs. And they have the largest selection including chemical resistant, steel toe, and economy style boots and overshoes. There are best-selling series like Dunlop Chesapeake, Purofort, and Monarch.
2. MCR Safety: MCR Safety is another trusted name in the world of industrial protection. They offer a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. This includes PVC work boots with steel or plain toes. And MCR Safety boots are built to last.
3. PIP Boss: The Boss series from PIP is a relative newcomer to the world of work boots, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves with their comfortable and durable designs. And their boots are also available in a wide range of sizes, so you’re sure to find a pair that fits you. Boss PVC and rubber boots come in styles like overshoes, slush boots, steel toe, and latex. And they provide waterproof protection for jobs like construction, forestry, concrete work, and remediation.
There are a lot of work boots on the market, and finding the right pair for you can be challenging. However, armed with our guide to choosing the best work boots for your job, you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. And with our large selection of work boots and overshoes from brands like Dunlop, Boss, and MCR Safety you can find the ideal pair for the task at hand.
Want more information on cheap pvc boots? Feel free to contact us.