The right work shoes are essential for your comfort, safety and productivity
In many workplaces , quality work shoes are essential as personal protective equipment (PPE). They protect workers' feet from a variety of hazards, including slips, trips, falls, punctures, and crushing. However, not all safety shoes are created equal, so choosing the right pair for your workplace is crucial.
Here are some tips for choosing the best shoes that meet safety standards and protect your feet.
Assess the hazards in your workplace for work shoes
The first step in choosing the right work shoes is to assess the hazards in your workplace. Different industries and job roles present different foot risks. Depending on the risks and areas of use, we choose either high work boots or low work boots .
For example, construction workers may face hazards from falling objects, sharp particles and heavy equipment, while healthcare workers need protection from spills, slips and punctures. By identifying potential hazards, you can choose work shoes with the right features and safety standards to minimize risks and protect your workers' feet.
Observe safety standards for work shoes
Work shoes must meet specific safety standards to ensure their effectiveness. The American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) and the European Committee for Standardization ( CE ) determine the most common safety standards for safety shoes. The ANSI standard is ASTM F2413 , and the CE standard is EN ISO 20345 for work shoes with a protective cap and EN ISO 20347 for work shoes without a protective cap. It is essential that you find work shoes that meet these standards to provide the proper protection you need.
Choose the right type of work shoes
There are several types of work shoes that have different features and levels of protection. The most popular type of work shoe is the steel toe boot, which provides protection against slip and impact hazards. Composite toe shoes are lightweight and offer similar protection to steel toe shoes, but with non-metallic components.
Metatarsal shoes provide additional protection for the metatarsal bones in the foot. Electrical Hazard Protection (EH) shoes protect against electrical hazards and have non-conductive soles. The type of safety shoes you choose should depend on the potential hazards in your workplace and the tasks your workers perform.
Find comfortable work shoes
Work shoes can be uncomfortable and cause foot pain if they don't fit properly. Look for work boots with comfort features like cushioned insoles, breathable uppers and padded collars.
Make sure the shoes fit well and are not too tight or loose. Some work boots come in different widths and sizes to accommodate different foot shapes. By choosing comfortable work shoes, you can prevent foot pain and discomfort that can affect worker productivity and well-being.
Check the durability of work shoes
Work boots are an investment, so you want them to last as long as possible. Look for shoes made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of the workplace. Check the construction and stitching to make sure the shoes are durable and can handle the demands of your job. By choosing durable work shoes, you can reduce replacement costs and ensure that your workers' feet are protected for longer.
In short, choosing the right work shoes is crucial to protecting your feet in the workplace. By assessing hazards, following safety standards, choosing the right type of safety footwear, looking for comfort and checking durability when choosing safety footwear, you can ensure that you choose the best work shoes for your job and stay safe on the job. Remember that investing in quality work shoes is essential not only for the well-being of workers, but also for your bottom line.
Ensure the protection and comfort of your employees. Visit our Pharsol Protect website or contact our expert staff for more information.
