Foot injuries at work can happen quickly, whether someone drops a heavy tool, steps on a sharp object or loses their footing on a wet surface. Other problems build over time when safety boots no longer fit properly, the tread wears down, or the footwear stops giving the support it once did.
Preventing workplace foot injuries starts with understanding the risks of the job and choosing safety footwear that is suited to those conditions.
Choose safety footwear for the hazards you actually face
Different workplaces place different demands on workers’ feet.
On a construction site, falling materials, tools, nails and sharp debris may be common risks. In a workshop or factory, workers could be dealing with heavy components, metal offcuts, slippery floors or long hours on hard concrete.
That is why the features in a safety boot matter.
A 200J toe cap helps protect against impact around the toe area, while an anti-penetration midsole provides additional protection where nails or sharp objects underfoot are a concern. Slip resistance, oil resistance, anti-static properties and heat resistance may also be important depending on the working environment.
The best place to start is with the hazard, then choose the footwear that has the protection needed for that job.
1. Make sure your safety boots fit properly
Even the right safety specification will not make up for poor fit.
A boot that is too loose can allow the foot to move around inside, causing rubbing and reducing stability. If it is too tight, pressure can build around the toes and sides of the foot, especially during a long shift.
The heel should feel secure when walking, while the toes should have enough room without the foot sliding forward.
It also helps to try safety footwear on with the socks normally worn at work. The size on the box is a useful guide, but how the boot actually feels while walking matters just as much.
2. Think about comfort over a full shift
For workers who spend most of the day standing or walking, sole construction and support become more noticeable as the hours pass.
Hard surfaces such as concrete place repeated impact through the feet, so good underfoot cushioning can make an important difference.
Many Kaliber safety boots use energy-absorbing dual-density polyurethane sole units. A softer layer helps absorb impact, while the harder outer layer is designed to provide durability and grip.
Insoles should also be checked over time, as regular use can compress the cushioning even when the outside of the boot still looks fine.
3. Check the tread and condition regularly
Slip-resistant safety boots still need an outsole that is in good condition.
Tread wears down gradually, so it is worth checking the underside of the footwear regularly for smooth areas, uneven wear or damage, particularly if workers move across wet, oily or changing surfaces.
The rest of the boot should also be inspected for cracking, damage to the upper, sole separation and wear around protective areas.
There is no single replacement period that works for every pair of safety boots. Footwear used every day on rough ground will age differently from a pair worn occasionally indoors, which makes condition a better guide than age alone.
4. Keep the workplace clear too
Safety footwear is only one part of preventing foot injuries at work.
Nails, screws, metal offcuts, broken glass and other sharp debris should still be removed from walkways and working areas. Spills need to be cleaned and known slipping hazards dealt with properly.
Protective footwear helps reduce risk, but good housekeeping helps stop that risk reaching the worker in the first place.
5. Review safety footwear when the job changes
The right pair of safety boots may also change when someone moves into a different role or working environment.
A worker moving from a warehouse onto an active construction site may suddenly need penetration protection or additional impact protection. Someone who starts spending more time walking or driving may place greater importance on weight, flexibility and underfoot comfort.
This is particularly relevant for businesses buying PPE across several departments, where one model may not be the right fit for every employee.
Make foot safety part of the everyday routine
Reducing workplace foot injuries comes down to getting a few things right consistently: choosing footwear for the hazards of the job, getting the fit right, checking its condition and keeping working areas clear.
Small checks can catch problems before they become injuries.
Kaliber offers safety boots and safety shoes for South African industries including construction, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and general industrial work.
Browse the Kaliber footwear range at https://kaliberfootwear.co.za/ or speak to an approved Kaliber reseller about footwear suited to your workplace.
