Understanding workplace hazards

Safety shoes and boots are designed to protect your feet for those who work in construction, manufacturing, logistics, oil & gas industries…etc. Steel-toe safety shoes and boots help protect the feet against drop, crash, or compression injuries. Safety shoes and boots fitted with a mid-sole plate protect from perforation or the penetration of sharp objects through the outsole.

It is, therefore, crucial to understand your specific job role and its hazards when it comes to choosing the right footwear. Ask your employer or Safety Manager for advice on the type of safety shoes or boots you will need.  Here are some tips to help you.

• Find the right fit
  First, reference the size of the shoe you are currently wearing. When fitting, wear a regular sock that you would wear for work. If your footwear is the correct size, you should have a finger’s width between your heel and the back of the shoe or boot to provide maximum protection, support, and comfort.
  Comfortable and well-fitted safety shoes and boots can prevent many foot injuries, reduce fatigue and keep you alert longer.
• Slippery floors
  Workplace injuries caused by falls, slips, and trips are the most common workplace accidents. Slippery wet walking surfaces can happen anywhere such as kitchens, a warehouse, or in security to protect against slip hazards.

You will need anti-slip safety shoes to protect against slip hazards which give you maximum grip under conditions caused by water, oil, or any substance that will cause you to slip and fall.

• Falling objects
  In workplaces where there is a risk of objects falling onto or striking the feet or any heavy rolling equipment (forklifts and trollies) that might roll over the feet, steel toe or composite toe safety shoes are a must.

• Sharp items piercing shoes
  In workplaces such as workshops or construction sites, sharp objects (glass, nails, or scrap metal) that may penetrate the outsole, safety shoes with steel midsole-plate, or anti-puncture textile board are required.

There are other criteria (Electrical conductivity, wet environment etc) and personal factors (Comfort, aesthetics and price) to take into account. Once you have chosen the right safety shoes for your workplace, you will provide yourself with the best personal protection to reduce and prevent foot-related injuries.

If you are planning to buy safety shoes for your workplace, browse through www.kpr.safety.com.sg for a suitable type of safety shoes or boots.