The importance of choosing the right safety boots

You would never go on a construction site without wearing a hard-hat

, but would you pay the same attention to protecting your feet?

When working in potentially hazardous environments, we nearly always remember to cover our heads and protect our bodies with overalls, but our feet often get overlooked. Different workplaces pose different safety risks, but wherever you work, your feet are two of the most vulnerable parts of your body and it is vitally important that you choose the right protective footwear.

There are many dangers to your feet in the workplace. The biggest threat obviously comes when handling large objects and where heavy lifting is involved, but your feet are also at risk every time you come into contact with chemicals, slippery surfaces and electrical hazards.

If you work in an environment where your feet are frequently put in danger, your employer is legally obliged to tell you what type of footwear you should be wearing. In some cases, safety boots are provided as part of your everyday work uniform.

When it comes to protective footwear, however, there is no 'one size fits all' solution. That is to say, every workplace poses its own individual dangers and you need to make sure that your footwear provides adequate protection and is legally approved for the job.

If you regularly lift heavy objects or you work in an environment where large items could fall from a height, reinforced or steel toe-capped boots are an essential item. Likewise, if your workplace has a floor that regularly becomes wet, you should make sure that your footwear is stronger around the ankles to prevent twisting and sprains caused by slipping.

Other boots have extra protection on the soles to prevent puncture damage. This type of protection is vital if you work in a place where loose nails or other sharp objects frequently fall onto the floor.

For those who regularly work with electricity, boots with insulation and conductive properties should be chosen to lower the risk of electrocution. Likewise, people whose day-to-day job involves handling dangerous or corrosive chemicals should choose safety boots with a highly resistant material, to prevent potentially serious damage to the feet.

Regardless of the environment you work in, you should never underestimate the importance of choosing the right footwear.

The importance of choosing the right safety boots

By: Dominic Stapleton

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