FEATURE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT


FIT FOR PURPOSE FOOTWEAR on the factory floor


Safety boots can have a dramatic effect on reducing accidents. Dr Martens offers a range of options for both men and women


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any feet or leg related problems facing factory workers are caused by


inadequate footwear. Workers need to be able to wear safety shoes or boots that are appropriate to their working environment. The overriding principle of occupational health and safety is that hazards should be eliminated at source. While employers have a duty to put controls in place, personal protective equipment including safety boots can have a dramatic effect on reducing accidents. All protective equipment should meet European standards and must be certified and stamped with the CE mark. To this end Dr Martens has a wide range of shoes and boots in its industrial range including women specific designs that have safety features designed to protect against particular conditions, all carrying the fixed European standard mark EN345 or the more recent EN ISO 20345. To simplify the decision-making process the footwear has marking codes from SB (Safety Basic) through to S3, indicating a high spec safety boot. The key is to check the technical information provided and select accordingly.


SPECIFIC SAFETY FEATURES One of the biggest risks on the factory floor is deemed to come from slips and trips. Statistics from the HSE show slipping and tripping to be the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces. Combined with falls it is responsible for more than half of major


20 MAY 2014 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT


(53%) and almost a third of over-three- day (29%) injuries to employees. Appropriate boots or shoes with slip resistant soles will go some way toward preventing such accidents on the factory floor. Typical hazards encountered daily which ‘fit for purpose’ footwear can provide protection against include wet, hot and cold conditions, cuts and punctures, electrostatic build-up, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash. A safety toecap will be essential where


there is the risk of a shoe being crushed or hit by an object or even caught in machinery. The Dr Martens safety toecap exceeds the European standard, offering protection from a minimum 200j impact and 15kN compression force. Dr Martens provide differing options of


sole tread depending on the ‘grip capability’ required. In addition to slip resistant soles, a puncture resistant midsole plate will protect against the threat of underfoot hazards. There are sole designs which offer heat resistance up to 300°C for 60 seconds for where there is exposure to heat and an anti- static safety feature with an outsole on selected footwear that will discharge static build-up through the shoe to the floor. Light industrial work usually takes place inside warehouses or in ‘clean’ factory settings. Often a more athletic boot or a shoe option will be preferred. Fortunately there are many innovative,


advanced technologies available in footwear today: the ‘heavy’ durability of a traditional work boot can now be


combined with the ‘light’ comfort of an athletic shoe. For an employee who is not based on the factory floor a basic safety shoe might suffice. Dr Martens has a selection of appropriate footwear such as the classic 4-eye safety shoe, 2216, available with either yellow stitch or a plain, black welted option. These combine a smart ‘office’ appearance with the necessary protection should the worker be required to go onsite.


THE IMPORTANCE OF COMFORT Technology in safety footwear has changed considerably over the past few decades but the premise for what is required remains the same: comfort, durability and protection. Comfort is vital for general well-being.


Ill fitting, uncomfortable footwear causes discomfort, pain and fatigue, setting up the worker for further injuries: they are likely to be less alert and more likely to act unsafely, resulting in an accident. In addition, the HSE estimates that


almost 200,000 people are suffering occupational lower limb disorders caused or made worse by prolonged standing at work. Research has shown that having a softer surface to stand on such as cushioned shoe insoles can reduce fatigue and discomfort associated with standing prolonged periods. To find the perfect boot for the job it is essential to understand the demands of the work environment and seek out one with the combination of features that will provide the appropriate protection and comfort. As with all safety equipment, the key is to buy from a reputable manufacturer, ensuring that it meets European Standards.


Dr Martens T: 0845 437 3141 www.drmartens.com/industrial Enter 321


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