A shoe is defined as an outer covering bearing a sole and an upper material lighter than the sole worn on feet by human beings. For some animals like horses, it is made of metal to cover the hoof from wearing. A safety shoe is one of a kind that has been reinforced mainly on the toe cap and the outsole to reduce cases of injury in workplaces.
In this article, we will outline the essential details that everyone should know about safety shoes.
With increased industrialization and construction work, employee safety is paramount in any field that poses foot injury risks. Safe footwear, therefore, is essential to such employees.
Features of safety shoes
Steel or carbon fibre toe-cap
The toe cap is mainly made of steel or carbon fibre since they are hard therefore protecting the toes from injuries from falling objects that can’t be protected by leather.
Puncture resistant outsole
The outsole is usually made of a hard rubber that protects the foot from penetration by sharp objects on the grounds of a work site.
Breathable upper
The upper material of this shoe is usually made in such a way air circulates inside, preventing the foot from sweating.
Slip-resistant
The outsole usually has treads that give it a grip on the ground to reduce the chances of slipping, where the workplace might be slippery.
What to consider when buying safety shoes
Durability
A durable shoe gives service for a very long time. Therefore when purchasing, one should consider how long the shoe will serve given the conditions of a particular workplace. How soon will the shoe wear out?
Style
In as much as one would like to comply with safety measures, a person’s satisfaction has to be taken care of. Customers will tend to buy one that best satisfies their taste.
Comfortability
For effectiveness and efficiency in a workplace, a worker has to be comfortable while working. Therefore a worker should be able to walk around with such a shoe without problem or in cases where the toe cap is shallow.
Nature of the job
The nature of the job is essential in deciding which safety footwear to buy. The toe cap helps guard electricians, construction workers and others exposed to sites where objects fall. Where the floor is slippery, a rubber-soled shoe helps reduce the chances of slipping as it gives grip to the floor.
The treads should be shallow where it is muddy so that a worker moves without the stress of carrying a lot of mud.
Slip resistance
The material making up the outsole and the size of the treads are crucial in a slippery workplace. Although sometimes the resistance to slipping is affected by water and temperature changes, the outsole should be of rubber and shallow treads.
Conclusion
This article clearly defines and outlines the features and what needs to be considered when purchasing industrial safety boots, and they’re recommended for better-informed decision-making.
