What types are available? What are their differences?
Link to T-Safety
Safety shoes that meet ASTM F requirements are an essential part of personal protective equipment (PPE) in various industries. They are designed to protect the feet from a wide range of hazards, including falling objects, sharp items, electrical risks and slippery surfaces. Let’s explore the different types of safety shoes available and highlight their unique features and uses, along with standards they should meet.
Steel toe shoes are among the most common types of safety footwear. They have a reinforced steel toe cap that protects the toes from impact and compression injuries. Key Features:
• Toe protection. The steel toe cap can withstand significant impact and compression forces.
• Durability. Steel is durable with long-lasting protection.
• Weight. Steel toe shoes are generally heavier than other types of safety shoes.
• Applications. Steel toe shoes are ideal for construction sites, manufacturing plants and any environment where there is a risk of heavy objects falling on the feet. Many assume that steel toe shoes cannot be used around electrical hazards. However, as long as the steel toe cap is insulated, the steel toe will not conduct electricity.
Composite toe shoes provide similar protection to steel toe shoes but use non-metal materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber or plastic. Key Features:
• Lightweight. Composite materials are lighter than steel, making the shoes more comfortable for all-day wear on the job.
• Non-conductive. They do not conduct electricity, making them suitable for electrical environments.
• Temperature resistance. Composite toe shoes do not get as cold or hot as steel toe shoes in extreme temperatures, making for a better option for applications such as foundry work or cold storage.
• Applications. These shoes are suitable for environments where metal detectors are used, and for electrical work where non-conductive footwear is required.
Alloy toe shoes use lighter metals such as aluminum or titanium to provide toe protection. Key Features:
• Lightweight. Alloys are lighter than steel but still offer strong protection.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of ppe safety shoes. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Employees in high-risk work environments, such as the construction, industrial, transportation/warehousing and food service sectors, are constantly at risk for accidents. These industries often expose workers to hazardous objects and materials, slippery surfaces and heavy machinery, presenting the opportunity for potentially fatal injuries to occur.
Fortunately, most common workplace accidents can be prevented by simply requiring workers to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In fact, approximately 700,000 lost work days could be avoided each year with the proper use of PPE.
As an employer, being knowledgeable about the different types of protective gear your team can wear to stay safe on the job can be lifesaving. Safety footwear is one form of highly effective PPE that can be worn to reduce accidents and create a safer work environment. Not only do protective shoes defend against foot injuries from sharp objects, spilled liquids, slips and falls and more, but they also help companies more effectively achieve their safety goals.
Read ahead to discover 4 key facts about safety footwear that must be worn to better protect your team..
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 60,000 occupational foot injuries each year. To prevent these injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a set of safety footwear guidelines. One such guideline is that employers must “ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard….”
In addition to safety footwear being mandatory for many industries, OSHA also requires that protective footwear comply with consensus standards such as the ASTM standard testing method for foot protection. When your employees wear ASTM compliant work shoes, they’re guaranteed to have quality shoes that will allow them to safely and confidently perform their daily tasks.
In , the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 5,333 occupational workplace accidents, a 2% increase from the previous year. As the number of yearly workplace accidents rises, companies need more effective methods for accident prevention – and safety footwear is one such means proven to stop accidents.
The adoption of a safety footwear program as part of your safety plan can minimize common workplace accidents such as slips and falls. For example, the University of California – Irvine experienced a 75% reduction in slips and falls within the first full year of implementation of a slip-resistant footwear program.
Safety footwear trends have evolved over the years. Today, workers have access to comfortable, stylish work shoes designed specifically for their industry and work environment.
Some of the top styles of safety footwear include:
With popular styles like these being offered in comfortable, more fashionable options, it’s easier to get your employees excited about wearing protective footwear. According to a survey conducted by Kimberly-Clark Professional, 40% of respondents indicated that they didn’t wear their PPE because it was “uncomfortable”. Safety footwear is made with comfortable insoles and quality materials that will help your employees stay on their feet the entire workday.
Because safety footwear is a mandatory form of PPE for many industries, protective footwear becomes an additional expense for both you and your employees. By investing in a corporate safety program, your employees can take advantage of special corporate discount pricing. This discounted rate makes work shoes more affordable for your team. With cost-friendly shoes, your employees can more easily obtain the appropriate shoes. When your employees wear the correct footwear, you can further reduce costs by minimizing accidents and reducing annual workers’ compensation costs.
Employers are responsible for the well-being and safety of employees during the workday. Therefore, you must assess the workplace and ensure that each team member has the right safety equipment to safely preform daily tasks. Safety footwear is a common type of safety gear that helps companies eliminate foot injuries such as cuts, broken bones, and burns. As an employer, doing your due diligence to understand the importance of safety footwear for (and requiring your team to wear them) can significantly improve your company’s safety ratings and help you achieve your safety goals.
Want more information on china safety products? Feel free to contact us.