Safety footwear is a concept that was developed in the early 20th century in response to increased awareness of health and safety in the workplace. Worker compensation and rights laws were also enacted during this time, making it a more cost-effective option for companies to avoid injury than replacing an injured worker, as was the custom before the new laws.
Foot injuries can be debilitating and mean the difference between being able and unable to work. Wearing safety shoes or boots can help prevent many injuries, and not just to your feet:
This may sound strange, but some work environments can pose a risk. A build-up of static electricity can cause an electric shock, so a pair of conductive work shoes will reduce the amount of static electricity in the body. On the other hand, someone who works directly with electricity may opt for non-conductive safety shoes as they prevent an electrical charge from entering the body.
Wearing safety boots with suitable soles prevents slipping and injuries to other parts of the body. It is important to ensure that you choose the correct type of soleplate for the environment in which you work. They also help with grip when climbing stairs or getting on and off machines.
One of the most common causes of foot injuries is having something fall on them. Safety boots protect you from impact and the reinforced toe cap also allows you to easily release your foot in case it gets caught under something.
Choosing the right sole is paramount, especially if you work in an environment where you can easily step on sharp objects such as glass or scrap metal.
The right safety boots can help prevent serious burns, especially if you work in an environment where molten metals or harmful chemicals and substances are present.
If your job involves machines that cut objects, e.g. woodworking machines, or other tools such as chainsaws, it is important to wear the right footwear to protect yourself from accidents. Some safety boots are made specifically for this type of work and are made of cut-resistant materials.