Steel toe work boots are a safety requirement for many jobs. Quite often workers will complain that they can’t wear the work boots because it hurts their feet and supervisors will be constantly reminding them to put on the steel toe work boots to stay in OSHA compliance. Here are some extra tips that will make wearing work boots more comfortable so that workers will stay safe when working around power equipment and other hazardous conditions that require safety boots.
Steel Toe work boots are recommended for anyone using power equipment. This includes small and large gardening tools like lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and string trimmers. Sometimes it is difficult to get someone to wear safety work boots because they are heavy and hot compared to sandals or tennis shoes. Many accidental injuries to the toes and feet can be avoided when wearing steel toe work boots. With the following steps you and your workers can be safe and comfortable.
1. Buy steel toe and other work boots at least ½ size larger than the normal shoe size to give extra room for the following extras and to provide room for the feet to swell when they are hot and after working most of the day. When trying the boots or shoes on at the store take along a pair of extra thick socks to use for sizing. It is best to try on or shop for boots in the afternoon when feet will be the largest.
2. Get inserts for the inside of the boots. Shoe and boot inserts come in many different styles and brands. Dr. Scholls is one of the best known brands and you can find a display of them and other brands in any drug store and many grocery stores. Choose an insert style that is designed for the biggest problem that occurs when wearing the boots. Each person may have different problems and can reduce them with some of the many kinds available. The inserts may be odor reducing, extra cushioning, arch supporting, gels, etc.
3. Buy the best hiking or working socks. It costs a little more to buy individual specialized socks but they are well worth it and last a lot longer too. Sports stores and camping outlets carry the most variety of heavy duty speical condition socks. Some hiking socks are thicker and warmer for cold conditions and some are made to keep the feet cooler and drier when working in hot summer conditions. Some socks have extra padding at the toe and heel but thinner in the middle to stay cooler.
When working keep work boots dry unless they are truly waterproof. Wear steel toe rubber boots when working in wet conditions. Buy inserts for rubber boots and wear the good thick socks with them too.
