When should steel toe boots be worn? Many occasions may warrant the use of these boots but mostly, it depends on the kind of job you do.
Foot injuries are quite common at many workplaces. Most of them come from knocking your toes hard against things, falling objects, rocks and many more.
So, when should you wear steel toe boots? The main reason to wear such boots is to protect your metatarsal area from falling objects. Therefore, if you work in the construction, welding, logging and even mining industry, you should wear these boots to protect your feet.
As you will find out here, steel-toed footwear does not only protect your toes and metatarsal area. It also has other safety features that make it a must-have for men and women who work in field and manual jobs.
5 Reasons Why Steel Toe Boots Should Be Worn
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There are more than five reasons. These shoes are at best heavy. Therefore, most people do not like to wear them unless they have to. The good thing is that once you get used to them, they are not too bad.
You can also read this related article: can you wear steel toe boots on the plane?
When OSHA requires that you wear these boots
Does OSHA require steel toe boots? These boots are considered specialty footwear in many parts of the USA.
Therefore, the law mandates employers to provide their workers with specialty PPE – protective personal equipment. However, if the kind of job that you do does not require these types of shoes, you may have to pay for them if you need such.
In some places, workers might even have to pay for their slip-resistant shoes.
Protect your feet from falling objects
Just imagine what would happen to your toes if a 20-pound steel bar fell on your foot. It would be goodbye for your toes. However, with the recommended steel toed shoes for work, you need not worry about that.
If they have been built to OSHA standards, steel toes can withstand up to 75 pounds of pressure from falling objects, but from a height of 3 yards. However, even from a higher height, it would still protect you and the effect of falling objects would not be as debilitating as it would be when wearing regular shoes.
Stay Safe from Punctures
In the workshop or in the field, risks of stepping on sharp objects that can puncture your feet. However, shoes designed with a steel toe are not only good at protecting the toe area, but they also come with all round protection from many workshop dangers.
The sole will be specially made to withstand punctures. However, this does not mean that you go stepping on nails deliberately. Stay cautious all the time that you are at work. What we mean here is that the soles offer more resistance to punctures than regular shoes.
They are anti-slip
One of the qualities that all work boots must meet is that they must be anti-slip. Traction is paramount when you work in the construction, oil, timber or any other industry.
When you are working, you really do not want to worry about your safety or stability when standing. You want an outer sole that grips any kind of terrain steadily. That way, you can concentrate and do a better job.
Whether the boots come with synthetic (Polyurethane) or rubber soles, it should have good treads, proper thickness and it should give you a good grip on all surfaces.
If you buy a good work boot with steel toes, you can be assured it will have great traction. However, it does not hurt to read the product description just to make sure.
Stay safe from electrical hazards
If the boots have a steel toe area, they are definitely going to protect you from electrical hazards.
Proper work boots offer all-round protection from different hazards. Therefore, if you work in an industry that requires specialty footwear such as steel-toed boots, you can be sure that you are protected from many workplace hazards.
If you hold a welding job though, ensure you get welding boots specifically. They will have a steel toe protection. They will also be made with fire-retardant material and they will protect your feet from electrical hazards.
When you need a combination of comfort and protection
By design, these boots have good arch support, metatarsal support and even heel support, although some might come with one and miss the other.
When you spend most of your workday on your feet, you need good footwear that keeps you supported at all the crucial points on your foot. At the same time, if they have a moisture wicking lining, they will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Conclusion
When should steel toe boots be worn? Now you know! Even if you have a small workshop at home where you deal with metal and other stuff, get this pair of boots to protect your feet, simply said, these are the best foot protection that you will get out there, so get a pair.