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Foot Protection Basics: Understanding Foot Protection in the Workplace

Foot Protection Basics: Understanding Foot Protection in the Workplace

The global industrial footwear market is estimated to be worth over $9 billion. And that number is expected to grow significantly over the coming years.

It can't be emphasized enough how important it is to wear the proper footwear in the workplace. And thankfully, employers have taken notice. While foot protection isn't all that complicated, it's not as simple as throwing on a pair of boots and calling it a day.

By understanding the basics of foot protection, you can ensure that you and your crew remain safe while on the job. So continue reading and we'll walk you through everything you need to know.

1. Know the Rules

The purpose of an organized approach to foot safety is to lower your cost of compliance, bring your workplace up to specs, provide a convenient way for business owners to stay legal, and to keep your employees safe.

There are three big safety regulations from OSHA when it comes to foot protection:

  • hazard assessment within the workplace
  • occupational foot protection
  • employee training for protective footwear compliance

Essentially, these regulations can be boiled down to: learn, comply, and teach.

2. Know the Different Types of Protection

There are several different types of foot protection, including:

  • nonmetal toe
  • slip-resistant
  • conductive
  • heat-resistant
  • bloodborne pathogen
  • steel toe
  • metatarsal-guarded
  • dielectric
  • cold environment
  • chemical-resistant
  • fatigue protection

There are also different styles, such as dress, athletic, casual, and hiker-styled protective footwear.

In order to figure out the right type of footwear for your crew, you should assess your workplace and figure out what the potential hazards are. You can also hire an auditor to assess the situation and give their recommendations.

3. Comfort Is King

While we don't always think about it, fatigue can contribute to accidents. Comfortable and lightweight footwear can help prevent fatigue during long workdays and thus, lead to fewer accidents.

Structurally speaking, boots should fit snugly around the ankle and heel when laced. Since heels are known to contribute to fatigue, shoes should have either a wide-based, low heel, or no heel at all. Shock-absorbing insoles are recommended when the job requires standing or walking on hard floors.

When it comes to fit, shoes and boots should provide ample toe room. If footwear is too tight then it won't stretch with wear. Because feet can differ in size, it's important that both feet are measured when buying footwear.

The shoes should match the larger foot. It's also a good idea to buy shoes later in the day because feet are more likely to be swollen and be at their maximum size.

At least two pairs of protective footwear should be owned by employees. By rotating between new and old shoes, they can avoid the discomfort and blisters that come with the "breaking in" process.

The Importance of Knowing Foot Protection Basics

Many foot injuries can be avoided simply by following protocol and wearing proper foot protection. By understanding the basics of foot protection, you can ensure that you and your crew are all staying as safe as possible.

Are you looking for high-quality footwear for your workplace? Contact us today to see how we can help you!

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