Page 81 - OHS, September 2022

There are many different industries that should consider enforcing their employees to wear slip resistant shoes.
and vertical load. ThThis allows for reproducible conditions in the testing lab. A shoe that tests at a .8 coefficient of friction in Lab A will also test similarly at Lab B. The accuracy and repeatability will aid manufacturers in improving slip resistant footwear as well as adding consistency in manufacturing.
There are several guidelines to keep in mind when selecting the right slip-resistant shoe: outsole, tread, insoles, upper, midsole and durability. Some of these elements factor into slip resistance directly (like outsole, midsole and tread), while others (like insoles and upper) focus on fit and comfort for workers on their feet all day long. If slip-resistant footwear does not feel comfortable,
people will opt for another style that may not be as safe for their work environment. Therefore, it is recommended that employees try a few different models or styles before purchasing, to see what works best for them.
While slip-resistant shoes offer protection, there can be wear and tear over time. It is important to clean out any tread patterns from potential debris and monitor the condition of the shoe, for when it is in need of potential replacement.
With the new ASTM standard in place, people with safety footwear can now feel safer on the jobsite when working on slick or wet surfaces, knowing that they are wearing safety footwear that has been tested and certified as slip resistant.
Matt Gould is a Senior Product Manager at Wolverine Worldwide, a role he has held since 2022. Prior to this role, Gould held positions at Wolverine Worldwide in Product Development and Manufacturing.
REFERENCES
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/96-119.html https://www.ishn.com/
https://www.irsst.qc.ca/media/documents/PubIRSST/RF-951. pdf?v=2020-01-22
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