When you’re in the workplace, whether it’s
raining torrentially or you’re in the middle of a disaster situation, wearing
the right footwear for the both is vital.
Here are the main benefits of having waterproof
footwear for the job…
1. Warm, dry feet. This is one of the most
obvious reasons to wear waterproof footwear when necessary! When you have to
deal with extreme weather conditions such as flooding, you don’t want to have
to deal with having wet, cold feet.
2. Staying hygienic. Water running through
the streets is pretty dirty and when you have to walk through floodwater it can
mean you are exposing yourself to all sorts of contaminants. Often this can
lead to health issues, so it’s best to wear the correct waterproof footwear at
all times.
3. Protection from debris. Do you know what
is hidden beneath that puddle of water? All kinds of debris and possibly
hazardous items can be uprooted by the wet weather and possibly cause a serious
injury. Your best bet is to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear that offer protection;
it might even be wise to consider steel-toed safety boots.
4. Avoiding slipping. Even when you can see
where you are going, wet conditions can cause slipping. Avoid a disastrous
situation, such as falling and injuring yourself, by wearing waterproof
footwear that has rubber or strong grips on the bottom for solid resistance,
traction and a secure grip.
5. Resistance to chemicals. If you’re stuck
in a disastrous situation or it’s flooding badly, be aware that water shouldn’t
be the only liquid you should be worried about. Chemicals, fuels and solvents
can often be disrupted by flood waters and high winds, so consider a high
quality pair of rubber boots and always have an emergency first aid kit nearby
(Get yours online from Supply Doctor)
6. Shock protection. Extreme wet weather
and strong winds can bring trees down as well as power lines and this can be a
serious danger. While you should never walk close to a downed power line, you
should always wear waterproof safety shoes that are rubber and antistatic.
These will help avoid any electrostatic charges and shocks.
7. Comfort. This one might seem obvious,
but when you’re in the middle of a flood or extremely wet weather, having dry
feet can make a huge difference in how you respond and get your work done.
There are waterproof boots and footwear that are shock absorbing as well as
lightweight, which is vital when you’re on your feet for long periods of time.
In addition to the correct waterproof
footwear, you also need the correct PPE. L&A Safety in Cape Town, Robertson
and Vredenburg offer high-quality, reliable PPE that everyone can afford! Take
a look at the website here, call 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za
