The Most Important Safety Features that Work Boots need...

Safety is obviously the most important aspect of a work boot. But it you are a construction worker for example, your work boots are going to differ from an electricians’. 

Need a reliable pair of work boots? Just visit L&A Safety today! But, it does pay to know what kind of conditions you will be up against before you head out onto the field!

Here is a rundown of some of the most commonly seen work boot safety features.

SAFETY TOES

The safety toe is probably the most talked about work boot safety feature, and a steel-toe boot is for more than just kicking someone’s butt. If you work in the lumber, carpentry, or construction industries, work boots with safety toes are a must.

Any time you find yourself working in a situation where heavy objects could potentially fall in your vicinity, safety toes are a good idea, as they can prevent serious foot injuries. However, not all safety toes are created equal—they can typically be found in three varieties:

- Steel Toe
- Composite Toe
- Aluminum Toe

PUNCTURE PLATE

If you work in construction or in any field requiring you to trudge through rubble, debris, or demolition zones, puncture plates are a must. Without a puncture plate, you risk serious injury by way of stepping on a potentially tetanus-laden nail or jagged glass chip.

A nail in the foot has to be among the worst reasons to leave work early. Luckily, a puncture plate is a common work boot feature that keeps the bottoms of your feet safe. The puncture plate lies between the insole and midsole, providing additional support along with guarding against punctures and pierces.

OUTSOLE GRIP

Grip is vital to staying on your feet. A pair of boots with a solid grip is going to do a significantly better job of keeping you right side up than boots without. As mentioned before, over one-third of all fatal construction accidents are a result of a slip or fall.

Traction is key. There are limitless workplace scenarios where slipping and falling can pose a major hazard. Many workers need to balance on metal roofs or uneven surfaces. Worse still, oil slicks and/or precipitation greatly increase the odds of slippage.

So, how can you avoid falls? Being mindful and aware is probably the greatest accident prevention method, but sometimes the only way to conquer hazardous conditions is with the right gear.

ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

Do you work around live wires and other electrical hazards? It’s best to be protected against electrical injury from the bottom up.

First off, do not wear steel toe or aluminum toe boots if electrical hazards are abound in your line of work. A composite toe is a great alternative to metal toed boots because there is no threat of electrical conduction, and the odds of static shock is significantly decreased with the plastics found in composite materials.

Safety first. Always. The right work boots can save you a toe, or even your life. You never know what can happen out on the field, but it’s important to prepare with the best gear for the job.