SAFETY BOOTS

Archive for June, 2010

God blessed us with one pair of feet. They bring us places. They allow us to run, to play, to enjoy life and all its many pleasures and wonders. To lose our feet to injury is a most regrettable incident which many of us surely do not wish to occur. In the United States alone, the number of injuries in construction sites with regards to the feet number in the hundreds of thousands to date. The silliest thing about such injuries is that they could have easily been prevented by wearing safety boots.

The reasons and excuses that some people give for not wearing safety boots at job sites is that they are uncomfortable and expensive. Do you not wear your seatbelt in a car because you find it uncomfortable? Would you not pull down the safety railings when you ride on a roller coaster? Do you not wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle because it is uncomfortable? Any person with common sense would answer the questions in an affirmative. Why then is it so difficult to invest in a good, quality pair of safety boots for activities that require the protection of feet from hazards?

For people who work in the construction industry, you don’t even need to think twice to realise you need a pair of safety work boots. The construction site is filled with heavy equipment and machinery. Accidents occur at construction sites on a regular basis. Most job sites require workers to wear safety boots before even entering the work zone. It is mandatory. Safety toe boots (as they are normally called) are designed and manufactured for the construction worker in mind. They are normally reinforced with steel or metal allow plates around the toe area as well as the underside of sole. This prevents the feet from puncture wounds, lacerations and impact injury.

Although it would be foolish to think that wearing safety work boots alone will prevent injury, they do add quite a significant measure of protection and security to workplace hazards. It is a common statistic cited that 3 out of 4 people who received foot injury while at work did not wear safety protective work boots. Although 100% protection can never be guaranteed, the statistics don’t lie that there is definite a much greater increase in safety protection once those boots are donned. Does it seem worth it now to subject your feet to some discomfort rather than a whole lot of pain and agony form workplace injury?

Even the argument that these safety boots are uncomfortable is no longer a valid one. There are many well-renowned safety boots manufacturing brands that exist today. Caterpillar, Timberland and Doc Martens are just some of these well known trademarks. What you can expect from these boot manufacturers is quality, durability, style AND comfort. Furthermore, materials technology has advanced so much that these boots combine lightweight characteristics with strength and protection. A perfect balance is achieved. Is there any reason not to get safety boots anymore?

Some shoes are worn for fashion; some shoes are worn for practicality. Safety boots are worn for protection. They are a preventive measure against injury. They are important to the well being of the wearer, both physically and in terms of job performance and productivity. Most importantly, they protect the feet, of which every one of us has only one pair of. Replacing those is not an option.

What then are the factors to be considered when buying safety boots?

Consider the job

Every job requires different things. Some jobs expose the worker to sharp objects like chainsaws and industrial cutters. Some jobs take place in environments which are laced with hazardous objects and heavy equipment. Some jobs require the worker to traverse long distances of treacherous terrain. Whatever the job may be, it is clear that the right boots for the job will differ. Construction workers need safety toe boots with reinforced steel to protect their feet from punctures, impact and lacerations. Those who work on slippery surfaces need boots with a better sole grip so that they won’t fall down as much. For the DIY home guru, a simple robust and strong pair of protective boots is needed for those home-based projects.

The myriad of differences in the types of activities must be considered before buying safety boots.

Consider the type of safety boots

The variety of safety boots available in shops today may seem confusing and baffling. But there are a few common types of safety boots that everyone should know.

-       Steel toe boots are reinforced with metal alloys that protect the feet from impact of falling objects

-       Water-resistant boots keep the feet dry in work conditions exposed to wet and cold conditions

-       Electrical Hazard boots, are suitable for electricians and protect the feet from electrical charges of up to 600 volts.

-       Slip resistant boots provide added traction and friction for wet and oily grounds.

-       Insulated boots insulate the feet from low temperatures, and ensure that the toes remain warm and toasty.

-       All-terrain boots are perfect for cross country travelling and moving through undulating ground

-       Military style safety boots meet industry standards for law enforcement and military personnel

Consider the Brand

Although it ultimately comes down to personal preference, comfort and functionality, the brand of the safety boots may be important in terms of trustworthiness and quality. Popular brands include Ariat, Michelin, Wellington, Timberland, Red Wing, Caterpillar, Dexter Fargo, Rocky, Doc Martens just to name a few. Some of these brands manufacture boots for different activities, while others are more specific. Online research of the manufacturer’s website will give the buyer a much better of idea of what specific purpose the boots are designed for.

Consider the Price

Safety should never be compromised for a low budget. However, bargain hunting is something which everyone should engage in. Expect to pay between $90 to $200 for a good and reliable pair of safety boots. Anything less should ring alarm bells. It must be stressed again that losing your limbs to injury is not something that should be looked at lightly and hence price should not be an overriding factor when buying safety boots.

Consider the Fit

It is important to try on several pairs of boots of varying sizes and shapes before buying. Unlike normal shoes, safety boots are generally not something one can “grow into”. Hence, it is crucial to walk around in your chosen pair before deciding whether or not to buy it. Do not rush into a purchase for your safety boots.

The importance of safety work boots cannot be emphasized enough. They accord protection to the feet and protect it from injuries and hazards. Safety work boots are not just limited to construction sites. Factory workers, movers, heavy machinery operators, among others require these protective footwear to ensure optimal performance without the risk of jobsite injury.

There are many different types of Safety work boots:

Leather work boots

As the name suggests, these boots are made out of leather. Leather work boots get their selling point from the fact that they are durable, stylish and comfortable. Not only that, genuine leather work boots are water-proof, chemical and oil resistant. However, genuine leather work boots, like all genuine leather products can be rather expensive because they are usually made of suede or some other quality leather. What theses products guarantee, however, is that the feet will stay dry, warm and comfortable regardless of the weather, be it a torrential thunderstorm or a freezing blizzard.

Steel Toe (Safety Toe) work boots

Steel toe work boots are best suited for construction site work or work that involves the transport and movement of heavy equipment or objects. These work boots are heavy and protect the entire feet, with an added protection around the vulnerable area of the toes. The steel provides an additional layer of shielding for the feet. Furthermore, these safety toe boots are normally manufactured with mid-soles made out of metal alloys that protect the sole of the feet from puncture wounds. Wearers of such shoes do not have to worry about tromping through nails and other sharp hazards. These work boots also protect the feet from falling items and objects, a commonplace occurrence at construction sites.

Safety toe boots provide added protection to the feet by ensuring strong ankle support. They normally have a specially designed collar to reduce discomfort and irritability which persists in extended durations of manual labour. At the top of the feet, there are metatarsal guards which give protection to that targeted region.

Military Steel toe work boots

These boots are normally worn by military or law enforcement officers. They have certain industry standards that are essential for the jobs of these people.

Industrial Work boots

These boots, like other safety toe boots provide a high level of protection to the feet. However, their design is such that they are normally of a greater height and have improved metatarsal guards. They are commonly preferred by smelters and foundry workers.

Insulated work boots

These work boots insulate the feet from the elements. Specifically, they provide a bubble of protection against low temperatures and wet conditions. The feet remains at a comfortable warm temperature whatever the situation on the outside is. A lot of the insulated work boots today harness the developed technology of synthetic materials which are both flexible and strong. Although some of these safety boots may be expensive, the balance of comfort and protection they provide more than makes up for their cost.

With all these variety of safety work boots, you would need to differentiate and learn how to choose your safety boots properly.

A common question that people ask is, why wear safety toe boots? Safety toe boots are heavy. They are uncomfortable. They trap air inside the shoe, making the feet hot, sweaty and smelly. With so much inconvenience and irritability caused, why do employers, government authorities, and even websites still propagate the need to wear safety toe boots?

The simple answer is this: Safety. Many construction sites require the wearing of safety toe boots before you can enter, let alone work in it. The rationale behind this requirement is simple. Without safety toe boots, you expose yourself to unnecessary hazards and risks. More specifically, if something large and heavy were to drop on those toes of yours, there will be nothing to prevent your feet from getting crushed. Even in logging industries, many logger boots are built with a steel toe.

The rules are in place for your benefit and your welfare as a worker. The job site can be a dangerous place. It does not take more than a google search to find stories of workers who have lost limbs to job site accidents, all because they failed to adhere to the simple rule of wearing the right equipment for the job.

Steel toed boots surround your toes and provides an armour of protection. Heavy equipment and heavy machinery pose a threat to the unprotected feet. In a battle between metal and flesh, metal will always come up on top. Injuries to your toes can potential lead to permanent damage to working capability and quality of life. Without protection to your feet, injury can prevent you from working and earning your living. In the worst case scenario, you might never be able to work properly again.

Protection from falling objects and sharp materials aside, safety toe boots ensure that your ankles are well supported. Ankle sprains are a common injury for workers who choose comfort over protection. Job sites are normally situated on terrain that is undulating and bumpy. Without a strong support for the ankle, constant travelling on such terrain will increase the risk of an ankle twist or sprain.

Some people choose to wear safety boots for activities beyond the scope of working in the construction industry. One example would be for self defence. If you live in a neighbourhood which is dangerous and has a high crime rate, heavy safety toe boots provide an additional measure of security. A well placed kick can cause serious damage to a mugger, or street thug. Nobody will want to mess with someone who is well protected and can cause potential harm to any attackers.

Remember, God gave you only one pair of feet and it is highly imperative that you protect these feet from the safety hazards and rigorous activities of a workplace. Safety toe boots protect the most vulnerable part of the feet, the toes. The steel in these boots ensure that you do not have to suffer the pain and agony in the event of injury to your feet. It also ensures that you will always be able to walk, run and hop, and enjoy the many things that life has to offer. Get Your Safety Toe Boots today if you had not already done so.

Choosing the right pair of safety boots for your work or lifestyle is indubitably an important decision you’ll have to make. The right pair of safety boots spells comfort, but more crucially, protection, your feet. Hence, a correct pair of shoes will ensure optimal performance and minimal risk in any activity that you choose to do.

Know your activity

The number of safety toe boots available in the market today will baffle even the most seasoned of shoppers. Decisions abound, for example, between choosing a standard style boot or a military style boot. Ultimately, it comes down to what activity you will be using the boots for. Standard boots are suitable for daily activities and are generally more comfortable, albeit less protective. Military style boots, on the other hand, are suitable for more hazardous activities like construction work, moving through treacherous terrain etc. There are many brands to choose from, such as brahma boots, justin work boots, caterpillar, wellington, danner, red wing, metatarsal and the list goes on.

Try those things out!

Regardless of the type of activity you are engaging in, or the amount of money you are willing to invest in armour for your feet, the most important question to ask yourself is: “Do I feel comfortable in them?” After all, you will be working/playing in those boots. A good fit is necessary, and the only way to guarantee this is to try to them on for yourself. If you are purchasing boots online, make sure you are obtain them from a brand that is trusted for quality and comfort. Uncomfortable boots that do not fit well only result in reduced productivity, lesser enjoyment, and in the event that you need to get them replaced, more money wasted.

When trying out your boots at the store, it is highly recommended that you wear the socks you would be wearing in the activity that you are buying the boots for. Walk a few rounds in the shop. Feels good? Don’t rush into it just yet, try on different sizes to see which fits better. Don’t forget to check out the other shops!

Trust your instincts, not others

A common mistake made by many purchasers of safety boots is being influenced by the decisions of others. Although a pair of boots may appear comfortable on the outside, you will never really know how they feel unless you try them out for yourself. Furthermore, different people have different sizes and shapes of feet. It would be foolish to take a friend’s word for it that a pair of boots is comfortable without trying them on for yourself. Remember that at the end of the day, you are purchasing protection for your feet and not those of your friend’s.

Take your time to choose your boots

Unlike normal everyday shoes which can be “seasoned” into the shape of your feet over a period of consistent wearing, safety boots are less malleable and flexible. The implication is that you cannot expect to “grow into” your new boots and you have to spend some time looking for the right pair. Never rush into buying a pair of safety boots. Plan an entire day to browse through all the hardware and footwear stores in your neighbourhood because you will need that much time to pick out the right pair.

Bigger is not better

Safety boots are meant to protect your feet and ankles from rigorous activities. If you choose boots which are slightly larger, you WILL suffer injury. The lack of support that your ankle receives may be fatal to the activity that you are engaging in. when choosing safety boots, the adage of “Safety First” rings true.

Enjoy shopping for those safety boots, and remember that you have only one pair of feet, so they deserve all the protection they can possibly get.