Safety shoes certainly aren’t anybody’s idea of fashion, and they’re not always the most comfortable, so why do you need to wear them on the job?
Well, whether you work a warehouse job, are part of a construction crew or do some other form of manual labor, safety shoes may be the most important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) you can own. Here’s why:
1. They protect from impact and compression injuries
In a lot of work environments, particularly industrial and warehouse jobs, falling objects are a serious concern. Safety shoes are typically equipped with toe caps that are reinforced with steel or some other composite material. This helps protect your toes from crushing injuries or fractures caused by things like dropped tools or a pallet that slips out of someone’s hands.
2. They’re slip-resistant to protect you from falls
Slips, trips and falls are a major hazard in a lot of workplaces, and they can easily lead to severe back injuries, head trauma and more. Safety shoes are designed with slip-resistant soles to give you better traction on slippery surfaces, including wet floors.
3. They can protect you from electrical hazards
If you work with or around electricity, you may be asked to buy boots that have an electrical hazard (EH) rating. These are specifically designed to eliminate static discharges and prevent electric currents from passing through them so that you’re protected from electrical shock.
4. They can keep sharp objects at bay
In a lot of work settings, stray nails, pieces of glass and metal fragments are all around, and getting stabbed through the sole of a regular shoe is a real possibility. The reinforced soles on safety shoes can withstand punctures that other shoes – even a lot of ordinary boots – cannot.
By wearing the right safety footwear, you can better protect yourself from serious on-the-job injuries. If you do get hurt, however, remember that workers’ compensation is there to provide the benefits you need to stay financially stable and get the care you need as you recover.
