Page 20 - OHS, FebruaryMarch 2023

PPE: FOOT PROTECTION Safety Footwear is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach When selecting footwear, workers should consider multiple factors to ensure their safety. BY ROBIN SKILLINGS Success on the job site starts from the ground up. This generally begins with reliable safety footwear. For the past several decades, this footwear was often associated with bulky and heavy steel-toed, leather-shod, rubber-soled work boots. However, thanks to innovations from footwear brands, there are now a myriad of performance and comfort enhancements available in work boots that do not come at the expense of safety. These advancements are particularly important with the rise in manufacturing, distribution and warehousing jobs, as well as changing and increasingly diverse workforces that have been entering the industry. While other industries have struggled in a post-pandemic environment, factory production in September 2022 was the highest in 14 years.1 With this changing landscape, the right personal protective equipment is essential—and safety footwear is no exception. A Changing Landscape In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, employment rates in manufacturing began to skyrocket. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 46,000 employees joined this industry between February 2020 Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock.com to September 2020 despite decreasing employment rates in a majority of other sectors.2 This was primarily due to the explosion in e-commerce sales during the pandemic, as nationwide shutdowns left many consumers seeking online shopping solutions. Since 2020, the rise in online shopping has persisted and has become an integral part of the consumer experience worldwide. This has created an equally increased need for skilled labor in the logistics and distribution industries. With this paradigm shift in the way consumers shop, the manufacturing industry will continue to rise as employment in hand laborers and material movers are projected to grow as much as 7 percent between 2020 to 2030.3 Meeting this increased demand necessitates a generation of workers who are new to this industry as well as potentially longer shifts for those continuing to work in this sector. Consequently, the safety and comfort of those working in these labor-intensive industries must be considered. To avoid injuries and fatigue, outfit this workforce with PPE, including safety footwear that will enable success on the job. Despite preconceived notions, safety footwear no longer needs to be synonymous with bulk to offer maximum protection. For example, with recent advancements, work boots and safety shoes are now being designed with athletic silhouettes to meet both the demands of the job as well as the personal preferences of those entering these industries. These innovations have resulted in footwear that blends the lightweight fit and feel of an athletic sneaker with the protection of a traditional safety shoe. Material advancements have also played a significant role in providing this newfound mobility and comfort in safety footwear as well as protecting against on- site hazards. Work sneaker uppers are now constructed with a blend of mesh and textiles to offer both breathability and durability. Knit work sneakers are often equipped with features like waterproof lining and TPU webbing to provide additional stability and protection. To maximize comfort for long days on the job, enhancements in midsoles have also proven to be helpful. Through the use of proprietary compounds, these enhancements provide additional performance cushioning and allow workers to find a shoe that best fits their needs. Along with additional support, another comfort feature includes shock absorption, which returns energy with every step and increases productivity over the course of a work shift. Safety Features With the multitude of advancements in safety footwear, selecting the best pair for the job can be overwhelming. However, this process can be simplified when considering the unique requirements of a particular jobsite. Whether it’s reflective webbing for conditions with low lighting or an EH-rated outsole for electric shock protection, there is likely a boot or shoe designed to combat unique hazards of a given job. Despite this variability, here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting new safety footwear. Slip Resistance. Although slips and falls are not a primary cause of fatal occupational injuries, they do represent the primary cause of lost days from work.4 It is essential to find footwear that protects against these types of injury. Boots with 20 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 www.ohsonline.com