PPE
FIVE FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Selecting the right safety footwear is crucial for ensuring the safety, comfort, and overall wellbeing of your workforce. Clair Weston, head of marketing at uvex shares five key factors to consider...
1. ENSURE A PROPER FIT FOR ALL WORKERS Industrial footwear fits differently compared to everyday shoes. This is due to the materials used for durability and protection, and the inclusion of safety features like toecaps. Sizing can also vary between brands. A proper fit for all employees, regardless of gender, is essential. Traditionally, safety footwear has been designed with a unisex approach, often neglecting the specific anatom- ical differences between men’s and women’s feet. Women typically have narrower heels and wider forefeet than men, and using unisex footwear can lead to an improper fit, reduced comfort, and a higher risk of injuries.
Footwear designed explicitly for women pro- vides a better fit and more comfort, reducing the risk of foot-related issues such as bunions, corns and blisters. It also enhances safety by ensuring the footwear stays securely in place, minimising the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Employers should offer a range of sizes and styles tailored to both women and men to ensure every worker has the
appropriate protection and support. If an employee has wide feet, do not think sizing up will help. Safety footwear from brands such as uvex, can be customised using insoles certified for that brand and model. These insoles allow the wearer to alter the dimensions inside the shoe for a customised fit. With the footwear and the insole working in tandem to support the foot and evenly distribute body weight.
2. PRIORITISE COMFORT
Comfort is crucial, especially for workers who spend long hours on their feet in demanding en- vironments like construction sites or manufacturing floors. Footwear that provides adequate support re- duces fatigue, and prevents discomfort is essential. Comfortable safety footwear helps prevent com- mon foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, sore feet, and blisters. Features like shock-absorbing soles, cushioned insoles, and ergonomic designs can reduce the impact on joints and muscles, enhancing comfort throughout the workday. For
example, the uvex 3 safety boot has an ergo- nomic two-layer sole made from polyurethane, providing excellent cushioning and slip resistance. The uvex i-PUREnrj technology enhances comfort by returning the landing energy over the entire sole unit back to the wearer. Often referred to as ‘rebound’ footwear, the absorption and redistribu- tion of energy helps reduce fatigue supporting the musculoskeletal system.
When workers are comfortable, they are less likely to suffer from fatigue and related injuries, leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction.
3. MATCH FOOTWEAR TO WORKPLACE HAZARDS Safety footwear must protect against specific workplace risks. Key features to consider include:
Slip resistance: For environments with a risk of slipping, especially on wet or uneven sur- faces, footwear with a sharp self-cleaning tread pattern, and a pronounced heel is cru- cial. This design improves grip and stability, reducing slips and falls.
32 WINTER 2024 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
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