APPLICATIONS 1. Ensure a proper fit for all workers Industrial footwear fits differently compared to everyday shoes. This is due to the materials used for durability and protection, and the inclusion of safety features like toecaps. Sizing can also vary between brands. A proper fit for all employees, regardless of gender, is essential. Traditionally, safety footwear has been designed with a unisex approach, often neglecting the specific anatomical differences between men’s and women’s feet. Women typically have narrower heels and wider forefeet than men and using unisex footwear can lead to an improper fit, reduced comfort, and a higher risk of injuries. Footwear designed explicitly for women provides a better fit and more comfort, reducing the risk of foot-related issues such as bunions, corns and blisters. It also enhances safety by ensuring the footwear stays securely in place, minimising the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Employers should offer a range of sizes and styles tailored to both women and men to ensure every worker has the appropriate protection and support. If an employee has wide feet, don’t think sizing up will help. Safety footwear can be customised using insoles certified for that brand and model. These insoles allow the wearer to alter the dimensions inside the shoe for a customised fit. With the footwear and the insole working in tandem to support the foot and evenly distribute body weight. 2. Prioritise comfort Comfort is crucial, especially for workers who spend long hours on their feet in demanding environments like construction sites or manufacturing floors. Footwear that provides proper support is essential to reduce fatigue and prevent discomfort. Comfortable safety footwear can help prevent common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, sore feet, and blisters. Features like shock-absorbing soles, cushioned insoles, and ergonomic designs can minimise the impact on joints and muscles, improving comfort throughout the workday. Some safety boots1 are designed with ergonomic soles made from materials like polyurethane to provide excellent cushioning and slip resistance. Certain technologies in footwear can enhance comfort by redistributing the energy from each step across the sole, a process that reduces fatigue and supports the musculoskeletal system. When workers are comfortable, they are less likely to suffer from fatigue and related injuries, leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction. 3. Match footwear to workplace hazards Safety footwear must protect against specific workplace risks. Key features to consider include: Slip resistance: For environments with a risk of slipping, especially on wet or uneven surfaces, footwear with a sharp self-cleaning tread pattern, and a pronounced heel is crucial. This design improves grip and stability, reducing slips and falls. Water resistance: Preventing water from penetrating the footwear is essential to avoid discomfort and foot health issues. Footwear with an S3, S6, or S7 rating under the EN ISO 20345 standard ensures water resistance, helping to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet environments. Some advanced waterresistant technologies2 are designed to provide durability that exceeds standard expectations, offering longer-lasting protection in challenging conditions. Impact and penetration protection: A sturdy toe cap (steel or composite) and a penetration-resistant midsole protect against falling objects and sharp hazards. In high-risk environments, additional metatarsal protection can enhance safety for the top of the foot, like the Heckel MACCROSSROAD 3.0 S3 HIGH META safety boot, which features D3O technology for flexible yet robust protection. 4. Invest in quality for workforce wellbeing High-quality safety footwear is not just about meeting standards; it’s about safeguarding your workforce’s health and wellbeing. Quality footwear offers several benefits: Reduced injury rates: Properly fitting, comfortable footwear minimises foot20 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk Five factors to consider when choosing safety footwear Choosing the right safety footwear is critical to ensuring the safety, comfort, and productivity of workers in industrial environments. Clair Weston* highlights five key factors to consider when selecting footwear for applications where comfort and protection
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