Work boots fulfil a variety of functions for workers on the field. Choosing the perfect one can become a challenge due to the sheer number of diehard work boots that can be availed online. The type of work boots you choose should be chosen depending on the nature of work to be performed, and A site worker must select an excellent fit for one’s needs because a site worker has to make use of their feet 90% of the time. Functional work boots equate to happier feet and are worth the investment.
Detailed insights on work boots and their necessity
The importance of health and safety came to light during the industrial revolution (1760-1840) in Europe and the Americas. Labour unions highlighted their concerns against the poor working conditions. They would often have to work in substandard conditions with little or no safety equipment. Injuries and fatalities were rampant. Eventually, workplace safety became an essential pillar in the industry.
Several years of legislation and standardization later, we have finally arrived at the systematic health, safety and environment programs. Even factory owners started to realize the importance of workplace safety due to cost and legal implications. In modern times, proper pieces of training are conducted that involve appropriate use of safety harnesses, hard hats, thick gloves, work boots, and so on.
Companies that boast good health, safety and environment program leadership have very stringent standards, rigorous checks and balances. The aim for them is to provide protection against the harshness of the worksite and prevent human and financial loss in the event of potential injury on-set by hazards. The hazards can come in a variety of forms: uneven and slippery terrain, Broken and sharp surfaces, spilled chemicals, drastic temperature changes and heavy objects, to name a few.
Why choose appropriate work boots at a working site?
Comfort is a cornerstone
Choosing the right fit for you can help achieve satisfaction and as a result, boost productivity. Work boots that are too tight or too loose can be tiring to use. Long term wearing can end up in sore feet and even lead to dermatitis. Most common causes for dermatitis include resins, rubber, glues and chromate salts that might be found in the interior of the shoe.
The associated discomfort can be a cause of distraction for the task at hand. Since most industrial work is done in shifts of eight and even sixteen hours, this is not a favourable situation to be in. Boots that are too rigid from the inside can limit the mobility of the foot and cause strain. Work boots that have limited support and maneuverability can be a cause for injury due to long term exposure to an awkward position. This can make one to fatigue faster and become accident-prone.
Comfort also includes the ability for the shoe to maintain a constant temperature, despite fluctuations in the external temperature. Too hot or too cold temperatures can be a source of discomfort for the user. Meat stockers who have to walk to and from chilled rooms are a good example where the outside room temperature and refrigerated room can have temperature differences of up to forty-five degrees Celsius.
The requirements as per the law
Depending on where you work, your job may be bound by specific workplace laws. These laws are often particular and can govern specific details such as the thickness of the sole, type of material, the strength that can be borne, corrosion proofing standards of the shoe. Govt and local authorities can severely penalize Non-compliance to these laws.
Fines, work permit cancellations, and even license terminations may result in worse cases. Employers are liable to provide the appropriate personal protection equipment of which safety work boots are an essential part. Operational area mandates the use of safety shoes. Merely having the necessary personal protection equipment is not enough either. The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) require that the required PPE’s be worn at all times while one is present at the worksite. Like all PPE’s, your work boots should be in acceptable condition and fit enough to be able to perform their function. Regular checks may be done to ensure that the shoe is in good condition.
Nature of the work
The quality of the work done plays a crucial part in choosing the proper boots out of the diehard work boots that can be found online. Each task may require a different standard of the work boot. For instance, an electrician might require insulating rubber soles, and an inventory manager might need steel-tipped shoes to ensure the feet don’t get hurt in case something heavy falls. A chemical handler might require unreactive and leak-proof shoes to prevent any harm from corrosive and poisonous chemicals. Whereas, a construction site worker might need enforced soles with extra grip to ensure their feet are protected from any long nails and slipping.
On the other hand, a cryogenic engineer will need temperature hardy boots that can withstand severe temperature changes. These examples help make one appreciate the fact that there is no one size fits all approach. One needs to assess the dynamics of their job and choose an appropriate boot that is most suited for them. In general, a good sole should ensure prevention of slipping, have a solid grip and should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
Overview
To sum it all up, there is a sheer number of diehard work boots that can be availed online and it can be quite overwhelming to decide from hundreds and thousands of eCommerce stores. However, the appropriate way to go on with selection is to consult your occupational health and safety officer so that they can recommend a suitable work boot that caters to your specific needs. The officer will be well acquainted with your line of work and will have considerable experience supporting proper equipment. This might seem like a hassle, but it is crucial. After all, anything we do at work is not worth getting hurt for.
