How to Choose the Best Safety Shoes to Minimise Risk of Injury
There are many tasks and jobs within industry that carry a risk of injury, and when performing these tasks, it is essential that the person wear the relevant protective wear. Legislation also requires the wearing of different items for particular jobs, and regulation around health and safety is very strict, in order to reduce the risk of injury and death of employees. Safety shoes play a big role in many industries, such as construction and manufacturing, and they serve to protect the wearer from injuries to the feet and also, in some cases, from electrical shock.
The safety shoes of today offer many features that provide protection against different types of injuries, and they are designed with particular risks and environments in mind. There is a standard safety shoe that protects the toes and feet from trauma through impact, but in specialist conditions, the safety shoes that are chosen should be able to deal with the risks of each particular environment.
Characteristics of Good Safety Shoes
- Composite safety toe cap: Most safety boots provide a toe cap to protect toes, and traditionally steel caps were used to absorb impact. This made the boots quite heavy, and composite toe caps are now becoming more popular, as they provide the same strength at a fraction of the weight.
- Metatarsal protection: The usual safety boot does not offer protection of the metatarsal area, but if needed, a boot should be chosen that incorporates a shield to overlay the toe cap and runs to the top of the instep.
- Electrical hazard guard: When working in an area where there is an electrical hazard, check that the safety boot provides protection against electrical currents.
- Outsole: While many of the safety features are located within the interior of the shoe, the outsole is also important. Check that the outsole provides protection against heat, chemicals, oil, gas and slipping. Also check for a sturdy sole that offers a good grip. The insoles should be cushioned for comfort and allow freedom of movement. The outsole should also be waterproof.
- Instep: There should be a snug fit, but not tight. If the fit is not snug enough, there will be slippage in the heel, and if it is too tight, it could prevent freedom of movement and cause pain or blisters in the heel. Safety boots should come in a variety of widths to accommodate different feet of different widths.
If you are looking for high-quality safety boots and other protective wear, contact our team at Top 2 Toe today!