What should I know about industrial safety footwear?
If you are at risk for foot injury at your workplace, you should wear the appropriate industrial safety footwear.
If foot protection is required, set up a complete industrial safety footwear program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection.
Industrial safety footwear is designed to protect feet against a wide variety of injuries. Impact, compression, and puncture are the most common types of foot injury.
Choose industrial safety footwear according to the hazard. Refer to CSA Standard Z195-M92 "Industrial Safety Footwear."
Select CSA-certified safety footwear. Ensure that it has the proper rating for the hazard and the proper sole for the working conditions.
Use metatarsal protection (top of the foot between the toes and ankle) where there is a potential for injury.
The OSH Answers section on Foot Comfort and Safety at Work has more information on foot care and selection of industrial safety footwear.
What should I know about the fit and care of industrial safety footwear?
Fit:
Walk in new industrial safety footwear to ensure it is comfortable.
Boots should have ample toe room (toes should be about 12.5 mm from the front)
Make allowances for extra socks or special arch supports when buying boots.
Boots should fit snugly around the heel and ankle when laced.
Lace up boots fully. High-cut boots provide support against ankle injury.
Care:
Use a protective coating to make industrial safety footwear water-resistant.
Inspect the industrial safety footwear regularly for damage.
Repair or replace worn or defective industrial safety footwear.
Electric shock resistance of industrial safety footwear is greatly reduced by wet conditions and with wear.