subject: Do I really have to wear my safety boots? [print this page] Do I really have to wear my safety boots?
Even if you are from the construction industry or if you work in a industrial environment, some of you may still ask "do I really have to wear this?". The safety boots can be quite uncomfortable and the safety cap or safety toe does not allow good circulation of air, making it hot and sweaty especially if you have to be out and about the whole day. So why must we wear safety toe boots?
The simple answer is this: Safety. Many construction sites require the wearing of safety toe boots before you can enter, let alone work in it. The rationale behind this requirement is simple. Without safety toe boots, you expose yourself to unnecessary hazards and risks. More specifically, if something large and heavy were to drop on those toes of yours, there will be nothing to prevent your feet from getting crushed.
The rules are in place for your benefit and your welfare as a worker. The job site can be a dangerous place. It does not take more than a google search to find stories of workers who have lost limbs to job site accidents, all because they failed to adhere to the simple rule of wearing the right equipment for the job.
Steel toed boots surround your toes and provides an armour of protection. Heavy equipment and heavy machinery pose a threat to the unprotected feet. In a battle between metal and flesh, metal will always come up on top. Injuries to your toes can potential lead to permanent damage to working capability and quality of life. Without protection to your feet, injury can prevent you from working and earning your living. In the worst case scenario, you might never be able to work properly again.
Protection from falling objects and sharp materials aside, safety toe boots ensure that your ankles are well supported. Ankle sprains are a common injury for workers who choose comfort over protection. Job sites are normally situated on terrain that is undulating and bumpy. Without a strong support for the ankle, constant travelling on such terrain will increase the risk of an ankle twist or sprain.
Some people choose to wear safety toe boots for activities beyond the scope of working in the construction industry. One example would be for self defence. If you live in a neighbourhood which is dangerous and has a high crime rate, heavy safety toe boots provide an additional measure of security. A well placed kick can cause serious damage to a mugger, or street thug. Nobody will want to mess with someone who is well protected and can cause potential harm to any attackers.
You only have a single pair of feet and these feet will not grow back if you get into an accident. You should protect yourself and your feet if you work in an environment that subjects you to many hazards such as large moving objects and fast moving mechanical machines. Protect your feet with proper safety toe boots and ensure that your toes are covered adequately and comfortably. Having a steel cap on you boots will mean that your toes are protected adequately should you encounter any accidents. And it will also mean that your feet will still be with you for your next walk.
