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When engaged in a hazardous work environment, certain risks of physical injury come with the territory. This is why wearing the correct protective clothing is essential. In this context, the importance of protective footwear should not be underestimated.
Protective footwear plays a vital role in shielding the wearer from injuries caused by falling objects, sharp objects, electrical hazards, and other dangers that can cause serious harm to the feet. The fact that foot injuries are among the most common workplace injuries reinforces how crucial it is to invest in high-quality safety footwear.
From the construction, manufacturing and engineering industries, to healthcare, facilities management or any other sector that requires protective footwear, it is important to understand the significance of wearing the right shoes.
Each of these professions presents different risks, and as such, the type of shoe worn should be specific to the job at hand.
While the EN ISO 20345 certified safety standard specifies that all safety footwear must have toe protection, a minimum of 200-joules impact-resistance, and a 15kN compression force, different safety classes indicate which industry or role the individual style of footwear has been designed and means-tested for.
Each of these classes, from S1 to S3, covers areas such as oil and fuel resistance, heel energy absorption, water repellency, resistance to punctures, and more.
Protective footwear is designed to protect the feet from hazards that can cause injury. Such hazards can range from heavy objects falling on the feet and sharp objects piercing the soles to electric shock and even combustion due to a build-up of static.
Here are some of the main reasons why protective footwear is crucial when operating within a hazardous work environment:
Wearing safety footwear can prevent foot injuries, which all too often lead to brief or lengthy absences from work. Protective footwear can reduce the risk of foot punctures, sprains, strains and many other causes of trauma to the feet.
Certified safety shoes are designed with slip-resistant soles to improve stability and traction, minimising the potential for slips, trips, and falls. This is especially important in industries that require employees to work on wet or slippery surfaces.
In industries that involve employees engaging with electricity, protective footwear is crucial. Electrical hazards can not only cause serious harm, but they can be fatal, making it essential to wear safety shoes with electrical insulation to protect against electric shock and combustion.
Employers are required to provide their employees with the correct protective footwear to suit a specific hazardous work environment. Safety footwear must comply with regulations and standards, ensuring that employees are protected from risk.
At Ark Safety, we understand the importance of wearing protective footwear in hazardous work environments. We provide high-quality safety workwear solutions to satisfy the most demanding safety requirements across a wide range of sectors, serving customers throughout Ireland and the UK.
Our extensive catalogue includes a range of safety footwear options, from steel-toe boots to electrical safety shoes. We can provide your workers with high-quality safety workwear solutions that meet the most stringent safety standards. Our footwear options are designed to provide superior protection, durability and comfort, ensuring your workers can perform their jobs safely and efficiently.
Contact us today and allow us to take care of all your protective footwear needs.
