One of the most crucial pieces of personal protective equipment in the construction industry is a robust, comfortable footwear with ankle protection (PPE). Construction workers suffer fractures, sprains, and tears at a rate of 40 instances per 10,000 full-time workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, requiring an average of 10 days off work. This has an impact on the company’s ability to fulfill deadlines, loses employers millions of dollars in remuneration, and costs workers money, suffering, and maybe additional surgery or rehab.
The modern work boot is built to protect workers’ feet from the risks of a building site. Genuine leather and steel toes were included in the classic work boot. Waterproofing, puncture and electrical resistance, metatarsal protection, non-synthetic fabrics that keep feet cool, and other features have been added over time. It can be difficult for construction workers to find a boot that provides all of these benefits while also being comfortable and supportive.
“Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip- and puncture-resistant soles,” according to OSHA’s footwear rules. When working around heavy equipment or falling objects, safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes.” OSHA may compel employers to equip workers with protective footwear depending on the sort of work being done. Sometimes a construction project’s Safety Manager orders footwear in quantity, and PPE is a “one size fits all” scenario in which the worker wears what management provides.
Our feet require and deserve footwear that is appropriate for the activity, supports the foot and ankle, and prevents us from slipping and falling. If the footwear is weak and badly constructed, it will only lead to more problems such as knee, hip, and back pain. The consequences of ignoring foot protection in the construction industry are extremely significant. The ground is strewn with garbage and uneven. There could be exposed electrical wiring or items falling from the sky. Broken or crushed feet and toes, some needing amputation, are the most common injuries caused by being ran over by equipment or caught between heavy items.
Heavy-duty work boots are costly, and many workers cannot or will not spend the money on good footwear, despite the dangers. The average boot lasts two years if properly cared for, and should be inspected on a regular basis. Cracked, soiled, or ripped boots should be thoroughly examined to ensure that feet are protected from water, oil, and other fluids. A worn tread reduces grip, and a torn outsole might allow a sharp object to pierce the foot or ankle.
Construction workers’ feet are subjected to a considerable degree of physical strain as they move and work with heavy materials all day. Some businesses sell insoles to help with fatigue and discomfort, but these mass-produced cushioning pads pale in comparison to custom-cast orthotic inserts.
Orthotics can help you stay comfortable and on the job by extending the life of your work boots.