FEATURE BEST FOOT FORWARD


Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager at HAIX, advises on the key elements to prioritise when selecting PPE footwear and the critical role of PPE footwear in keeping workers safe.


The workforce today contends with a variety of risks, from working at height, to navigating different terrains and changing environments to enhanced risks of slips, trips and falls. As a result, PPE, in particular safety footwear, plays a major role in ensuring workers are properly protected while on the job.


With a saturated PPE market, selecting the right PPE footwear can be overwhelming. With that in mind, it is recommended to align the shoe with the worker’s individual needs. As a starting point, flexibility, comfort, grip and durability are key elements when evaluating different footwear.


FLEXIBILITY AND COMFORT


Footwear must be flexible to allow for comfortable movement in physically demanding jobs. For example, climbing up and down ladders, working for long periods of time on tough ground, or lifting and manoeuvring heavy equipment. Many roles involve such strenuous activity, so a moveable, non-rigid material is essential.


As well as being pliable, footwear must also be lightweight, allowing the wearer to remain active for long periods of time with ease and comfort, minimising lower leg fatigue induced by overall boot weight. Where available, workers should seek footwear which is certified for orthopaedic insoles, or offers various sizes of insoles, to increase or decrease the volume in the shoe, protect the soles of the feet and provide a snug fit. For female professionals in particular, look for brands that offer a wide range of sizes, specifically those that are tactically designed for smaller feet.


“AN EXTREME LEVEL OF GRIP IS CRITICAL TO PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 31% OF WORK- RELATED, NON-FATAL INJURIES IN 2023/24.”


Advances in materials and textiles such as nanocarbon can create ultra-lightweight toe caps that not only meet safety and protection standards but decrease overall weight, creating a more comfortable experience for the wearer.


GRIP An extreme level of grip is critical to prevent slips, trips and falls, which accounted for 31% of work-related, non-fatal injuries in 2023/24. All manufacturers must adhere to the safety and occupational standards EN ISO 20347:2022 and EN ISO 20345:2022 which test for puncture, slip, water and fuel oil resistance, ladder grip and ergonomic properties. However, HAIX recommends choosing brands that go beyond these minimum requirements and prioritise quality materials and additional testing to further reduce the possibility of injury or poor foot health for workers.


DURABILITY The intensity of manual work requires footwear that is 21 WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM


built to last so selecting footwear manufactured from high grade materials is key. Whether it’s prioritising thick waterproof and hydrophobic leather to face extreme weather elements, or fibre reinforced, anatomically formed toe caps to protect feet from heavy, pointed or sharp objects, these progressive material choices will go the distance even after long periods of wear in extreme environments.


Additionally, purchasing premium footwear can offer superior product components such as a highly abrasion-resistant lining materials, durably cushioned and moisture-wicking insoles and breathable material for all seasons. Long-lasting boots not only give workers a sense of security but also value for money.


PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD


Footwear is a vital part of worker protection and it is crucial that it works to support, or even improve, the wearer’s output. In a world with hundreds of PPE footwear choices, workers should opt for brands that are forward-thinking, long-lasting and exceed the minimum safety standards. By taking these principles and applying individual roles and responsibilities, workers can find the perfect PPE footwear for them and feel confident and safe every day.


www.haix.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26