Foot injuries contribute to a huge number of lost workdays in various industries. This makes choosing the right safety and working boots from RS a key part of work safety and compliance, as it helps prevent serious injuries.
When well chosen, these boots go beyond safety, as they enable workers to move, lift, and focus on the task at hand without worrying about things like slipping or chemical exposure.
However, they also come in a wide variety, as they are used in multiple industries and different environmental conditions. This makes choosing the right type a key part of safety, compliance, and productivity.
Why safety boots are important
In most cases, professionals come to appreciate work boots as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) when they are working in a risky environment. These are more than just foot covers, as they act as a worker’s first line of defence against environmental hazards. The boots can absorb impact, keep out unwanted elements, and provide grip when you need it most.
But that’s just one aspect of work boots. Higher-quality safety wear is designed to reduce fatigue and support a worker’s posture, which helps them move with confidence. Things like walking, bending, lifting, and climbing become much safer and less exhausting.
How to choose the right safety boots for your job
To pick the right safety boots, you need to match the type of footwear to the specific risks and demands you or your workers face. Is it heavy objects that can drop on the feet, sharp objects that can puncture the sole, or wet and muddy conditions? This consideration also goes hand in hand with environmental factors like cold conditions and electrical hazards.
Fit and comfort are also important, as a boot that’s too tight or too loose can lead to issues like fatigue, blisters, or even long-term foot and joint issues. There’s also the durability aspect, but this one is more about using the right shoe for the job and environment.
Main types of safety boots
To choose the right safety boots, you first need to understand the different types available and what each of them is designed to protect against.
Steel-toe boots
These boots usually have a reinforced steel cap over the toes. They are designed to protect a worker from impacts, falling objects, and compression. They are the shoes that are most common in warehouses and are a major part of construction site safety.
But while the toes provide much-needed protection, they also make the shoes a bit heavier than other options. You also need to ensure that they are a proper fit and have proper cushioning.
Composite-toe boots
These are also meant to offer extra protection to toes, but they use non-metal materials for the same purpose. Some common ones are carbon fibre, Kevlar, and hard plastic.
The materials used make them lighter than steel-toe boots, and the lack of metal is also useful in workplaces that use metal detectors or where there are risks of electrical hazards.
Safety trainers
These ones look and actually feel more like athletic shoes. However, they have several protective features like reinforced toes, anti-slip soles, and puncture resistance. They are mostly meant to be used in light-duty work and indoor environments.
You can use them when you need to ensure worker mobility and comfort, besides protection. They are mostly used by warehouse staff, logistics teams, or technicians who need to move around to ensure everything is working well.
Wellington boots
These are mostly meant to offer protection against water. They tend to be high-cut and are made from rubber or PVC. Some also have reinforced toes.
Wellies, as they are often called, are mostly used in agriculture and food processing.
Insulated or thermal boots
This type is designed for cold or extreme environments. They are mostly meant to provide heat, so they often have layers of insulation and don’t allow water to enter.
The boots are particularly useful in winter and when working in cold storage facilities, as workers can be exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods. The boots will keep their feet safe from frostbite and discomfort but also not cause excessive sweating.
