Many working environments are hazardous, and every employee must be prepared to encounter potential risks. If you are responsible for these employees, then you have to ensure that they wear the right type of protective clothing at all times and this is especially true when it comes to their footwear. Today, work boots are very sophisticated and have a range of features to deal with a variety of different situations. What type of boot should you choose for your workers, based on the level of risk in your workplace?

Safety and Comfort

While some occupations are particularly dangerous and require that special protection be built into work boots, others may be simply uncomfortable and not hazardous. Either way, you can address these issues as you selectively choose your footwear.

Dealing with Cold

For example, the work may require employees to be outside in some of the coldest regions of the country. In this case, you need to ensure that boots are properly insulated. Some will come with a dual density sole, which allows the top layer to maintain heat for comfort, while the bottom layer is designed to perform well in slippery conditions. This is great when challenging walkways exist underfoot and the ambient temperature is very low.

Heat Resistance

Conversely, your people may work in an area that is very hot. In this case, you will want an outsole that is resistant to this challenge so that the workers can walk on hot surfaces with minimal effect.

Energy Absorption

Sometimes the workload will call for very long days and a lot of individual movement. Have a look at boots that are designed for energy absorption so there is less impact on the feet. This will help to avoid long-term injuries through overuse.

Demolition

If you're involved in demolition, then your workers may be engaged in an area where screws, nails and other sharp objects may be on the ground. You will need to commission boots that have a steel or composite midsole, which is resistant to piercing. A strip of metal or composite is added within the sole to deter any intrusion and the composite, made of rubber and hard plastic, will be better for electricians as this material is nonconductive.

Electronics

People who work within electronics or other manufacturing environments may need to wear boots that have antistatic properties. Otherwise, friction can cause a buildup of an electrostatic charge which can discharge to expensive equipment nearby in the worst-case scenario.

Construction

Finally, construction sites can be challenging, and your workers must be protected against falling objects. In this case, you will need to add composite or steel toe caps to the toe area of the safety boot. These will resist a considerable amount of pressure should anything be dropped from a height.

What Is Right for You?

As there are many features available, you need to talk about your specific apparel requirements with a workwear supplier.

Share