Whether you spend your workday outdoors hauling supplies to a construction work site or handling the intricate details of electrical wiring, one of the most important things you can bring with you is a quality pair of work boots.
It’s not uncommon to year upper management touting the importance of proper footwear.
That message is constantly repeated for good reason. Work boots are designed to provide you with a range of benefits that help you on and off the worksite. They can improve your productivity and keep the dangerous side-effects of a lifetime of hard labor at bay.
Unfortunately, there are many of workers who choose to leave their work boots behind for one reason or another. Sure, work boots may not be the most stylish thing you can wear to work.
In many cases, these boots can even weigh you down. However, ditching the boots for something that’s not designed to accommodate your needs can prove to be dangerous for you and everyone around you. Here’s a list of some of the most important reasons why you should be wearing safety boots every time you clock into work.
The most obvious reason why you should be wearing safety boots to work is that they’re specifically designed to help you avoid injury. Work sites are riddled with hazards at every turn. Even the most careful worker is bound to step somewhere they’re not supposed to. Without a pair of work boots, that casual misstep will turn into a trip to the emergency room.
Boots are designed with workers in mind. Every detail is thought out to ensure that you have as much protection as possible. The uppers are made of durable leather that’s resistant to punctures, abrasive damage, and much more. The soles are made from thick rubber that can withstand a ton of wear and tear.
The best part is that you can choose boots with extra features that offer protection for your particular job. If you’re an electrician, you can get boots that withstand high-voltage jolts. If you carry heavy equipment that can fall and break your feet, you can get boots with a protective toecap.
Whatever the case may be, there’s a pair of work boots out there that has you covered.
The biggest mistake you can make is thinking that you don’t need the protection that work boots have to offer. It’s when workers start getting complacent about safety that injuries start to happen.
Your colleagues and management can go the extra mile to be safe, but your work site is still not immune. Workplace injuries happen in every industry.
A significant amount of injuries occur in the feet. Most of these happen on construction sites. Tens of thousands of foot injuries happen every year. Typically, these injuries can be avoided with proper footwear. If you think that foot injuries won’t happen to you, take a look at the statistics to see just how common they are.
Extreme temperature changes can have a profound effect on your feet. If you work outdoors, you’re at the whims of Mother Nature. Standard footwear doesn’t regulate your body temperature like safety boots do. Work boots are designed to keep you comfortable regardless of where you’re working.
If you’re working in the hot summer sun, you can invest in boots that are equipped with a moisture-wicking lining or those that have built-in ventilation to increase air circulation. If you’re working in snowy environments, there are plenty of boots available with thick insulation to ensure that you can keep the feeling in your toes.
While it may not seem like a huge deal, these extreme temperature changes can be dangerous. In cold environments, issues like frostbite and decreased blood circulation can cause permanent nerve damage. With a pair of work boots, you can avoid significant health issues and work safely. Your scope of work won’t be limited just because the weather isn’t the best.
Depending on where you’re working, you may find yourself having to get through some dangerous obstacles. Construction sites, in particular, are known for being messy. You have to deal with construction waste, uneven terrain, and much more. Work boots make navigating your job site much easier. They often have built-in features that help you walk with confidence.
One common feature is stability. Safety boots typically rise above your ankle and utilize a full lace system. This allows you to get a snug fit over your ankle. The thick leather uppers will hold your ankle in place so that you can walk over bumpy surfaces without having to worry about your ankle giving in and experiencing injury.
Another great feature is slip resistance. Many boots are designed with soles that have prominent lugs that displace water with every step. They keep your feet on the ground so that you can walk through water puddles, oil spills, and much more.
The same goes for puncture resistance. Boots can be built with a solid plate between the bottom of your foot and the sole. They’ll prevent nails, glass, and other sharp objects from slicing into the bottom of your feet as you walk.
There are many governing bodies that regulate the use of safety gear in the workplace. This includes safety boots. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide effective gear and enforce the use of work boots. Failure to do so can result in fines and lawsuits.
While this may not affect you directly, it can have a drastic effect on your livelihood. Failure to comply with work safety laws may result in your company losing their permits and license. In turn, you can lose your job. Even if your company does comply with OSHA standards, compliance states that they can ask you to leave if you’re not wearing proper gear.
It’s important that you wear your work boots at all times to ensure that you’re following the rules of your worksite. You’ll avoid being reprimanded and ensure that everyone is working together to be safe.
Chances are, you’re on your feet for prolonged periods of time as you work. Normally, this type of regular activity can wreak havoc on your legs and feet. However, safety boots are designed to make working much more comfortably. They have built-in arch and heel support to keep your feet in a healthy position throughout the day. Some even have shock-absorbing features and torsional support.
These extra comfort features will do wonders for your overall health in the long run. They’ll help you stay comfortable for longer periods of time so that you’ll be less fatigued by the end of the day. Because boots are carefully designed, they can also help you avoid musculoskeletal issues that often affect laborers after a lifetime of work.
Safety work boots can improve your performance dramatically. The many safety and comfort features work together to enhance the way you do your job. While the effects may seem subtle at first, you’ll quickly notice that you’re able to work harder and stay focused for a longer period of time.
Instead of thinking about any discomfort you’re feeling, you can focus on the task at hand. This helps you to stay safe and do a better job when it matters most.
All in all, you should always wear safety boots. Employers require them for your own protection and well-being. With the proper pair of boots, you can do your job to the best of your ability and come home feeling comfortable, confident, and happy with a job well done.