Page 22 - OHS, FebruaryMarch 2023

PPE: FOOT PROTECTION With the multitude of advancements in safety footwear, selecting the best pair for the job can be overwhelming. convenient for workers whose jobs may require them to pass through metal detectors throughout the day. Seasonality. Although many boots are made to be worn year- round, there are benefifits to purchasing boots specifific for the summer or winter months. To ensure feet stay warm and dry in the wintertime, purchasing a boot with a waterproof system can be beneficial. However, as summer rolls around, transitioning into a boot that is lighter with more breathability will help keep feet cool. e with multidirectional lugs help provide better traction in mud or ice. Looking at the bottom of the shoe prior to purchase can be helpful in determining level of resistance, as this often depends on the outsole’s tread pattern and material. Safety Toe Selection. Depending on the trade, safety toes are essential when it comes to helping prevent a wide range of injuries. Traditionally, safety toes are made out of materials such as steel or aluminum. However, one of the latest toe caps to hit the market are carbon-fiber. These caps are 15 percent lighter than steel and do not sacrifice safety. Carbon-fiber toes are especially When shopping in-store, it is also important to wear a pair of socks you would normally wear on the job. We recommend trying on potential boots after a shift or at the end of the day when feet are naturally more swollen to ensure the right fit. Although these differences may seem minimal, boots that are too loose can be safety hazards, and boots that are too tight can cause a variety of foot-health problems such as blisters and ingrown toenails. Finding the Best Fit for Women Finding the best-fitting PPE continues to be a challenge for women, as a 2016 study found a majority of female construction workers reported fit problems with many types of PPE, including gloves, harnesses, safety vests and work boots. Traditionally, women’s PPE has often been identical to their male counterparts but shrunken to a smaller size. However, there are significant anatomical differences between men’s and women’s feet, including s s l li i p p- - r r e es si is s t ta an nt to o u u t t s so o l le es sc c a a n nd di is sp pe e r rs se l l i iq q u ui id d q qu ui ic c k k l ly y, ,a an nd d t th h o os s e e Air Sampling Pumps High Flow Working today for a healthier tomorrow Casella’s air sampling pump family brings the latest technology to the market: • High back pressure capabilities • Long battery life • Ingress protection (IP65) • Rugged, easy to clean designs • Remotely monitor the pumps and download data Low Flow Medium Flow 13 Pratts Junction Road, Sterling, MA 01564-2305 T: (800) 366 2966 E: info-us@casellasolutions.com www.casellasolutions.com 22 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 Untitled-40 1 www.ohsonline.com 2/1/22 5:10 PM