5 Reasons Why Wearing Safety Boots at the Workplace is Crucial
Safety boots aren't the most glamorous footwear you can take to work. They also aren't the lightest ones for your feet. Surprisingly, however, safety boots offer a lot of benefits not just for your feet but your general health as well. They can even affect your productivity at work.
If you're still thinking twice about wearing your safety boots to work, here are some of the best reasons why you definitely should.
1. They protect the feet
This is probably one of the most obvious reasons why you should always wear your safety boots. They offer protection against punctures as well as slips and trips. They can also protect your feet from burns.
Safety boots are often made of durable materials to withstand a wide range of workplace hazards. There are various types of safety shoes so make sure to find one that will fit your unique job role. If you know you'll be exposed to electricity and high voltage machines, choose electric hazard shoes. In case you’ll be assigned to handle heavy industrial materials, you can pick safety-toed shoes.
If you know you'll be exposed to electricity and high voltage machines, choose electric hazard shoes. In case you’ll be assigned to handle heavy industrial materials, you can pick safety-toed shoes.
2. They offer support
Safety boots are often heavy but they are great when it comes to supporting proper posture. Since workers often have to stand for long periods of time, this type of footwear can help ensure that their feet are properly cushioned and supported.
By ensuring your feet's comfort, you'll less likely feel fatigued. They can also decrease the strain on the muscles of your lower extremities and your chances of developing chronic work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Since they lessen fatigue, you’ll be able to do your work faster and better.
See Also: How to Prevent Back Injuries at Work
3. They offer protection against extreme weather changes
Extreme weather conditions can result in a lot of health problems. An intense low temperature, for example, can reduce the blood circulation in your feet. If this type of exposure is prolonged, it can cause nerve damage and even death of the area.
There are also medical conditions, like Reynaud's Syndrome, that can easily be aggravated by weather changes. Reynaud's Syndrome is a condition where a person's extremities can turn purple due to poor blood flow after being exposed to cold weather.
Take note that not all safety boots are insulated so make sure that you find one made with the right materials.
4. It helps avoid lawsuits
Because of how important safety boots are in workplaces, wearing them has been a part of the regulation. It should be followed at all times to ensure every worker's safety while working. If your company fails to provide safety boots or isn't strict when it comes to making every employee comply to regulations, they can get sued.
Lawsuits involving workplace safety aren't only time consuming and expensive but they can also cost your company's permits and licenses. Aside from safety boots, workers must also wear shirts with long sleeves, long work pants and protective head gears. They should also wear eye goggles and face masks if their work puts them at risk of getting splashed with chemicals or toxic particles.
5. It can help you keep your work
Employers aren't the only one responsible for making sure their employees comply to the rule. Workers are also responsible for their own safety at work. Under the OHSA Compliance Standards, employers can send their workers home if they fail to act in a safe manner. They can also terminate employment in the event of employee misconduct.
For your own safety and protection, make sure to wear your protective gear all the time. It isn't only a necessity during inspections and assessments.
