The importance of safety boots cannot be overemphasised enough. For those working on an active job site, wearing safety boots is usually one of the first lessons learned. They are also something people tend to become a little relaxed about the longer they work in the industry.
Some will argue that since they have never had an accident before, it might be not as essential as what once thought to wear safety boots on a worksite. However, this is the wrong mindset to have, especially when working in construction or any labour-intensive job.
Protection From Falling Objects
Whilst working in a busy, fast-paced environment, workers should not only be wearing protective clothing, but they should also ensure that their feet are protected from potential crush injuries. When moving and lifting heavy objects, there is the risk of dropping one of the items on either your own feet or that of your co-workers. Having safety shoes on, especially ones with reinforced toes will help to keep your feet safe in the event of such an incident.
Safe From The Elements
Working outdoors comes with its own set of challenges. You have to handle working in all types of weather conditions, especially if you work in construction, logistics or at an airport. In addition to wearing the appropriate clothing, it is essential to wear shoes that offer protection against rain, snow and extremely cold weather conditions. Your shoes, whether they are work boots or rigger boots, should be well insulated and waterproof. Wearing rigger boots on shift will help to prevent you from developing health conditions such as frostbite or other circulatory problems.
Maintain Good Posture And Minimise Muscle Strains
Aside from protecting your feet from unwanted falls or crush injuries, safety shoes can also prevent you from muscle strain. As the lining of shoes is cushioned, they support the arch of the foot, which enables both the ankle and foot to be well supported.
Poor footwear can lead to you developing serious aches and pains. It could be due to poor foot or ankle support, which over time can lead to joint pains. Continuing to wear the same shoes can lead to more serious issues. As time goes on, joint pains can creep up to ankle pain, knee pain and even affect your back. Wearing safety shoes will help to eliminate that pain and make your long shift more comfortable. Having a comfortable shoe that correctly aligns with the leg, will help you maintain a great posture whilst working.
Reduces Fatigue
Working in a labour-intensive job often requires you to be moving around on your feet for most of the day. Most of the time, you will be on tough surfaces like concrete, which does not do your joints any favours. During a long shift, ones where you might be working up to 12 hours in a day, fatigue can become a real problem. Over a shift, this long, the muscles in your legs, back and feet, as well as other body parts will grow tired and weak. The situation only worsens when you are not wearing the appropriate, comfortable footwear.
Switching to safety shoes will provide you with the adequate cushioning needed to support the arch in your feet. In turn, this makes it even more comfortable as it alleviates any strain being placed on your muscles. Additionally, it ensures that you are not tired after moving around after a few minutes or less fatigued. It means that you will remain on high alert throughout the rest of your shift.
Avoid Sustaining Blisters
Safety footwear can do more than alleviate any muscle pains you might experience working long hour shifts. The comfort and stability it provides will prevent you from developing any foot problems. For instance, when wearing poor footwear, can often lead to sore feet and blisters. Both of which make it increasingly painful to complete even the smallest of tasks.
When you wear safety shoes, you can ensure that you can stay on your feet throughout your shift without having to move around in agony.
The Bottom Line
Before you start your shift, ensure that you have the appropriate safety shoes. You may find you need to break your new boots in first, however, the pain it will save in the long-term is worthwhile. Whether it be work boots, work trainers or rigger bots, any safety specific footwear will help to protect your feet whilst on shift. Even if you have never had an accident before, it does mean that the chances of one from occurring are zero. There is always the possibility, so it is better to protect your feet and suffer a minor bruising than sustain a serious injury that leaves you out of work.