p.14 safety footwear 11:FOOTWEAR NEW TEMPLAT 10 08 10/11/09 10:33 Page 14
Safety Footwear
Combining safety with style
I
f the thought of protective footwear conjures up images of heavy, ugly,
stiff and uncomfortable work boots, then think again! The latest
products are stylish and comfortable, yet they make no compromises
in terms of the protection they provide.
These days, employers are legally obliged to think about their employ-
ees’ feet! The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to
protect the well being of their staff while they are at work, and the
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations dictate that employers
must evaluate the need for PPE and, where it is found to be necessary,
supply the appropriate items.
In short, these items of legislation and many others mean that if
protective footwear is found to be necessary, the employer must supply it
and must also make every practicable effort to ensure that it used.
But, what needs to be considered when choosing footwear to meet
these obligations? The best advice is to opt for products that incorporate
the latest developments, such as those from Timberland PRO, which are
manufactured under an exclusive licensing agreement by Sperian Protec-
tion in Europe. Let’s have a look at some of these developments and at
why they are so important. mium full-grained oiled leather for uppers. This combines flexibility and
Energy-absorbing toecaps are a key feature of almost all protective durability with robustness and attractive appearance. Features such as
footwear but, particularly when used outdoors, conventional steel special linings that are breathable and warm, yet waterproof, further
toecaps can be cold and uncomfortable. There are also cases where enhance comfort for the wearer, as do vegetal leather insoles that help to
steel-free footwear is needed – where the wearer may have to pass through keep feet dry. Design features like wide tongues and high ergonomic
security scanners, for example, or where the risk of sparking associated leather gussets also increase user appeal.
with steel is unacceptable as it might lead to an explosion. For these Footwear should, of course, appeal to all users but until recently, most
reasons, safety footwear is now available with toecaps that are non- designs were focussed on the needs of male wearers. This situation has
metallic but are at least as strong as their steel counterparts. now been redressed with the introduction of products like the new
Anti-perforation measures for the sole of the shoe or boot are also Timberland PRO Ladies Trainer.
essential and can now be implemented with high-tenacity non-metallic Shoes of this type are specifically tailored to fit the contours of women’s
fibres that are lightweight and allow a high degree of flexibility, rather feet, and they typically combine the use of materials like soft leather and
than with metal inserts. Other features of the footwear, such as efficient mesh fabric to provide enhanced breathability and flexibility. Advanced
waterproofing and hydrophobic laces that are easy to tie and untie even design and manufacturing techniques mean that the best types are
when wet, make important contributions to the provision of effective light in weight, yet offer excellent protection including anti-slip and anti-
protection, and should also be taken into account. abrasion properties, as well as contact resistance to temperatures as high
In addition to the level of protection provided there are, however, two as 300ºC.
other factors that it is essential to consider when choosing protective Protective footwear no longer has to mean unappealing boots that the
footwear – comfort and styling. wearer can’t wait to remove at the end of the day. The best of modern
As has been mentioned, employers not only have a duty to supply pro- products deliver exceptional levels of protection, yet they are at least as
tective footwear, but also to ensure that it is used. And, to be brutally comfortable to wear as everyday shoes bought on the high street, and they
honest, if the footwear supplied is ugly or uncomfortable, staff will find are available in styles with universal appeal. Truly, therefore, it is now
every possible reason for not using it. Fortunately, leading suppliers like possible to combine safety with style.
Timberland PRO now place great emphasis on both comfort and styling.
Comfort is assured by using the best possible materials, such as pre-
www.timberland.com
14
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FOOTWEAR TODAY
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 www.footweartoday.co.uk
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