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compensate for the extra room needed. Although this solution may work with traditional shoes, with work boots, it leaves the employee’s feet vulnerable to hazards as the front of the foot may not be as protected by the safety toe. New technologies have the ability to take a 3D model of a worker’s foot, which is used to recommend their ideal work boot size, width and any additional foot support with incredible accuracy. Sizes. While most workers may fall into a specific size range, provide a boot that works for every employee. Be sure to offer half-sizes in your PPE program as well as those sizes that fall on either end of the spectrum. Even minor discrepancies in sizing can increase the chance of injury. Inclusivity. We’ve seen women rely on men’s options for PPE for far too long. Historically, their choices have been limited. In order to ensure safety for all, a safety program should offer options. For example, a woman’s foot is built differently from arch to heel than a man’s foot. Offering options that are built for this higher arch will increase comfort and decrease both discomfort and chances of injury. Prioritizing well-fitting footwear in your PPE program not only protects your workers on a day-to-day basis, but also protects their health in the long term, promoting a strong, reliable workforce that supports crucial industries. Materials Matter Materials make the difference when it comes to safety footwear, and new innovations are being introduced at a rapid pace that not only make the shoes safer but also more comfortable. One of the biggest improvements is footwear that feels lightweight but still performs under tough conditions. Non- metallic safety toe caps are an example of a feature that noticeably lightens the weight of a boot while offering the same safety protections as the standard steel toe caps—in fact, laboratory and field trials show that non-metallic toe caps can meet identical safety standards to steel toe caps. Lighter weight and less bulk mean more all-day comfort, less fatigue and less pain for workers. A boot made with best-in-class materials will not only protect the wearer more effectively, but will also withstand a longer period of wear. Keeping workers in their perfect work boot for longer ensures that they have PPE that is comfortable, broken in and familiar to them. The less employees need to replace their boots, the more cost-effective the program is for both the company and the individual. Weather Any Conditions Many are currently in the midst of cold, rainy or snowy winters, but the work never stops for those in industries such as manufacturing, construction and mining. While the importance of this work doesn’t change, their work environment certainly does—and a quality safety program will take these variations in weather conditions into consideration. When it comes to winter safety footwear, keep these features in mind: Waterproofing systems. Rainfall and wet snow can easily turn a normal work day into an uncomfortable, unsafe situation. To ensure feet stay dry no matter the conditions, ensure their boots have a quality waterproofing system. A three-layer waterproofing system provides everything workers need: a lining to help move moisture away from the foot, open-cell foam that provides an additional layer of cushioning and makes for a comfortable fit and a waterproof bootie to act as a barrier to water and snow. High-quality outsoles. With the cold comes ice, which can increase a worker’s chance of falling and injuring themselves. Outsoles will tri-directional traction lugs can improve grip and are ideally paired with a defined heel breast to enhance downhill braking control on rough terrain. Warming materials. Insulation is your best defender against the cold. Work boots with innovative, paper-thin aluminum technology surround feet to reflect and retain body heat, keeping the wearer warm without the heavy weight that can cause additional fatigue and limit mobility. Safety means being prepared for anything. While we can’t predict some situations, the weather is one thing safety professionals can prepare for annually, making it a natural consideration to work into both PPE and safety best practices. Bring in Experts Perhaps the most important piece of developing an effective PPE program is ensuring that your workers take full advantage of the investment you’ve made in the right options and the best partner. The most effective PPE program is one that is used frequently. When an employee goes into a store, there’s no way of knowing for sure whether they are finding the boots that are the right fit, quality and material. While safety professionals provide guidelines, nothing beats on-demand care. Consider partnering with a PPE provider that has a digital voucher system. With these specialized programs, it is possible to ensure that employees are picking their safety footwear from a curated list of options chosen specifically for their jobsite needs and your company’s standards of safety. For example, you can personalize each worker’s options based on the specific role they fill for your company—boots that provide the best support for standing, lifting, climbing or any other activity workers perform most frequently. Another alternative is to bring the store to the jobsite. Not all employees have the time or ability to go into a store but may still want the guidance of a professional before making a final decision. Seeking out a partner who can bring their safety footwear and other head-to-toe PPE options directly to a jobsite for easy fittings, real-time recommendations and quality assurance means that every worker has access to PPE program participation. Conclusion Adhering to safety standards is only the beginning of creating the best PPE program for your company. The real difference comes in the quality of your PPE partner, the options you offer and the systems you put in place to ensure each worker has the most effective safety experience possible. Tito Warren is the president of Global Industrial Sales and Operations at Red Wing Shoe Company. He oversees the Red Wing For Business global industrial programs. REFERENCES 1. www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/foot_com.html 2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8098636/ www.ohsonline.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 25