Footwear

Safety footwear is essential in industrial environments to protect against various foot injuries. A comprehensive foot safety program should include proper selection, fit testing, training, maintenance, and regular inspection of footwear. [3] [3]

The selection of appropriate safety footwear depends on a hazard assessment of the workplace. This assessment should consider potential hazards such as:

• Falling or rolling objects
• Sharp objects that could puncture the feet
• Exposure to corrosive or irritating substances
• Explosive atmospheres or risk of static electrical discharges
• Contact with energized electrical conductors
• Slippery surfaces
• Extreme temperatures
• Rotating or abrasive machinery

[5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] Various types of protective footwear cater to specific hazards:

• Puncture protection: Green triangle (Grade 1 toecap) for heavy industrial work, yellow triangle (Grade 2 toecap) for light industrial work.
• Toe protection: Blue rectangle (Grade 1 toecap, no puncture resistance) for general industrial work, grey rectangle (Grade 2 toecap, no puncture resistance) for light industrial environments.
• Electric shock protection: White rectangle with orange Greek letter omega.
• Static dissipation: Yellow rectangle with black SD letters.
• Electrical conductivity: Red rectangle with white C letter.
• Metatarsal protection: Dark grey rectangle with M letter (toe protection also required).
• Chainsaw protection: White label with green fir tree symbol.

[1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [2] [2] [2] Proper fit and care are crucial for safety footwear. Boots should be tried on midday, allowing ample toe room and snug fit around the heel and ankle. Regular inspection for damage and the use of protective coatings are recommended. Footwear should be replaced after sole penetration or impact, even without visible damage. [5] [5] [5] [6] [6] [6]

Employers are generally required to provide necessary PPE, including safety footwear, at no cost to employees. Exceptions exist for non-specialty safety-toe footwear and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear if employees are allowed to wear them off-site. However, employers must pay for replacement PPE, unless the employee lost or intentionally damaged it. [4] [4] [4]