Proper footwear is essential protection for contractors. Without the right shoes, injuries can occur. Inadequate soles, spliced laces, or improper footwear, such as sneakers or sandals, can all become liabilities on a job site.
EASY STEPS TO SAFER FOOTING
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 and laces. They will not protect your feet.
- Wear overshoes when working in wet concrete, which 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.
- Wear steel-toed boots to protect feet from being crushed.
- When working with electricity, use insulated shoes or boots approved for electrical work.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECIALTY FOOTGEAR FOR THE JOB
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.
- Extremely cold environments may require shoes that have rubber soles, with leather uppers and liners to protect employees from frostbite.
- When working in wet conditions. waterproof/water resistant boots will keep your feet dry. Bring extra socks to work and change into them if necessary. if you’re unsure of the best boot for your work, ask your foreman or superintendent.
BE SAFE — WEAR THE PROPER WORK SHOES FOR THE JOB!
