PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND WORKWEAR
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Many workers across the UK face problems with their feet because incorrect
footwear is failing to actively support them through the day, says Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager, HAIX.
In the UK, podiatrists are pointing to inappropriate footwear as the biggest cause of foot problems. Research reveals that 80% of the UK adult population have some form of foot problem, sustained and aggravated by insufficient footwear.
Wearing the wrong footwear increases the risk of poor foot health, with conditions such as Morton’s Neuroma and general foot pain. High-quality footwear with the right features helps to keep feet healthy, happy and protected. Footwear is still continuously underestimated as a crucial piece of PPE and it is vital that this misconception is addressed and improved.
RESOLVING THE PROBLEM Employers need to understand the best features for work boots that will successfully protect their workers. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 stresses it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to employees who are exposed to health and safety risks in the workplace.
The legislation highlights hazards such as slipping, metal or chemical splashes, rubbing, abrasion and punctures that could be preventable with protective work boots. Employers have a duty of care to ensure their workers are fully equipped and protected against these risks at work.
AWARENESS IS KEY An awareness for work boots to avoid is key. Features that are recommended to avoid include, a poor fit, minimal arch or sole support, slippery soles and lack of protective and quality materials. Footwear with these qualities will be fundamentally unsuitable as part of employee workwear and heighten the potential of poor foot health.
Employers must be aware that many products can claim they meet the European standards or falsely advertise features, such as ‘slip-resistance,’ that are in fact substandard and do not fulfil expected safety requirements.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 highlights work boots must have robust features such as protective toe caps and proven slip-preventing materials and employers must look for such features and the correct markings that verify the footwear has been tested to the appropriate standard.
TRYING AND BUYING When buying or recommending work boots, it is important to remember that feet swell and change shape through the day. To ensure that work boots will provide successful support and an accurate fit it is best to try new boots on in the afternoon. This allows extra space for foot expansion to minimise rubbing or painful blistering.
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