Quality Integrated Services | Safety

Foot Protection

Foot Protection is important on and off the job. It is important to wear the proper footwear while working and in daily life. It is equally important to wear footwear that is appropriate for the type of work you will be doing. Understanding the differences and benefits of the many types of footwear available will help you chose the correct shoes or boots for the work you will be performing.

There are several different scenarios that could injure your feet. The following examples will help you identify what types of dangers are present at the worksite :

Sharp objects that fall on your feet can crush or puncture them, you can also break toes and other bones in your feet if you hit them against something.
Heavy objects can be placed on top of or roll over your feet and crush your toes and other parts of your feet.
Liquids such as molten metals, acids or damaging chemicals can spill into your shoes or boots. This can cause chemical and heat burns.
Wearing shoes or boots rated for electrical hazards can prevent injury or death.
You can slip and fall on spilled water, oil or chemicals. Proper footwear can prevent slips and falls.
Your feet can be burned or frostbitten when you work in intense heat or cold areas. Use footwear that is waterproof and insulated against hot and cold exposures.

Next, it is important to know what you can do to avoid some of the injuries listed above. Having the proper footwear for the job you are doing is always necessary. Below are some boot types that will help protect your feet while on the job :

Neoprene – Made of a rubber-like material. They resist oil, heat, rust, scummy deposits and slick surfaces
Metatarsal – These shoes have a special guard that runs between the front of the ankle and the toebox, the guard distributes the force of a falling object mainly to the toebox
Reinforced Soles – The bottoms of these shoes are made of a special flexible metal that resists punctures
Electric Hazard – The sole and heel are made of a tough rubber compound with no exposed metal to conduct electricity
Protective Toe – May prevent toe injury. This hard toe may not protect all your toes or the long bones in your foot
Electrostatic Dissipating Shoes (EDS) – Used in and near high-tech electronics and flammable or explosive atmospheres. They conduct built-up static charge to a grounded floor

Some quotes taken from 'Foot Protection' by the National Safety Council.

All Information for this safety page provided by the National Safety Council from the Foot Protection booklet copyright 1996.