Proper footwear is essential protection for contractors. Injuries can occur because of inadequate soles, spliced laces, or improper footwear such as sneakers or sandals.
Here are some general guidelines to help keep your feet safe while at work:
- Discard shoes that have run-down heels or flapping soles. They can cause trip hazards.
- Replace worn soles or shoes. They will not protect your feet. Worn laces should also be replaced.
- Wear overshoes when working in wet concrete. It is mildly caustic.
- Keep feet warm and dry to prevent “trench foot.”
- Wear shoes with steel shanks to help prevent punctures caused by nails or other sharp objects.
- Protect feet from being crushed by wearing steel toed boots.
- Use insulated shoes or boots approved for electrical work when working with electricity.
When additional protection is required in a particular work area, protect your feet by using the appropriate type of work shoe. Construction operations requiring special types of boots include the following:
- When working on hot asphalt, wear shoes that have extra thick or insulated soles.
- Welders should wear leggings over their boots to protect their feet from hot metal.
- Work in extremely cold environments may require shoes that have rubber soles, with leather uppers, and liners to protect from frostbite.
- When working in wet conditions, water proof / water resistant boots will help keep your feet dry. Bring extras socks to keep your feet dry.
If you are unsure of the best boot for your work, ask for advice!
