Page 70 - OHS, October 2021

PPE: FOOT PROTECTION
While proper maintenance and
care can extend the lifespan of footwear, there will still ultimately be a time when every work boot meets the end of the road.
Store your boots properly. Whether it is a shoe rack or storage locker, there are several options for storing your boots. Work boots should never be left in a bag, backpack, car or trunk where they become incubators for mold, fungus and bacteria which can cause serious problems for foot health.
Alternate work boots. Just like with sneakers, if you wear the same boots every day, they will wear out more quickly. By rotating two or three different pairs, you can extend the lifespan of all them. As an added bonus, rotating boots gives them time to dry out and ultimately smell better.
Boot Replacement
All of that being said, it is inevitable that boots will eventually wear out. With so many options for safety footwear available, it can be daunting to select a new boot. With different job sites presenting their own unique requirements, there is no one size fits all approach to boot shopping. This gives workers a lot to consider before making a purchase, but here are some key factors to keep in mind before checking out:
Toe selection. Some trades require workers to have footwear with a safety toe, and it is important to understand which safety toe cap is the best fit for a specific trade. Many boots feature safety toes made from traditional materials such as steel or aluminum. One, newer option that is available are caps made from carbon fiber. Carbon-fiber toes are 15 percent lighter than steel without sacrificing safety and are well-suited for jobs where workers must pass through metal detectors.
Safety Features. Depending on the profession, there are a variety of different footwear options with safety features designed for specific trades. Whether it is reflective webbing for working at night in low lighting, Kevlar fiber for resistance against open flames or an EH rated outsole for electric shock protection, there is likely a boot with safety features designed for success in any trade.
Slip resistance. A common danger on any jobsite is the potential of slipping or falling. Boots with slip-resistant outsoles can disperse liquid quickly and those with multidirectional lugs help provide better traction in mud or even on ice. Slip resistance may sound simple, but knowing the correct outsole tread design for the worksite is important. The level of resistance can depend on factors including the material and tread pattern of the outsole.
If you are shopping in-store for boots, remember to wear a
66 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2021
pair of socks you would normally wear on the job. Additionally, it is always better to shop for boots at the end of the day when your feet are swollen and naturally larger than they are in the morning. While boots that are too loose can be safety hazards, boots that are too tight can cause a variety of health problems as well such as blisters and in-grown toenails. Remember to measure both feet as one foot is usually a larger size. Although safety is essential, comfort features should not be overlooked either. After all, you will be wearing these boots all day!
Best Foot Forward with PPE Footwear
PPE footwear can help workers protect themselves from slips, falling objects and other risks on a jobsite. A pair of worn-out boots is more than an aesthetic concern--they can cause potential serious safety hazards and lead to problems regarding foot health.
When it comes to selecting a new pair of work boots there is quite a bit to consider. From safety toe selection to safety features, workers should keep in mind what the requirements are per jobsite to help them succeed no matter their profession. Many new work boots also offer a wide variety of innovative technologies to enable improved comfort and performance on the job. Therefore, while there is a lot to consider when selecting your next favorite pair of work boots, always remember that more features and benefits are being added to safety footwear year after year to provide better performance, underfoot support and further extend the life of the boot.
Robin Skillings is the Senior Global Marketing Director for KEEN Utility. www.ohsonline.com
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