Industrial environments can be incredibly dangerous, and it’s important to wear the right safety shoes to protect your feet. There are a lot of different types of safety shoes, and it can be hard to know which ones are the best for your workplace. This blog – guardboots will help you find the best safety shoes for industrial environments, and show you how to choose them.
What are safety shoes for industrial environments?
Safety shoes are a type of footwear designed to protect the feet from potential hazards in industrial environments. These environments may include factories, warehouses, construction sites, oil and gas industries, and laboratories, among others. Safety shoes provide protection against a range of potential risks, including sharp objects, chemicals, and heavy objects that could crush or injure the feet.
Common features of safety shoes include a steel toe cap, which provides protection for the toes, and metal instep footwear, which offers superior protection from sharp objects such as nails, glass, blades, or other metal objects. Safety shoes can also protect against electrical hazards, extreme temperatures, and slip and fall accidents.
Overall, safety shoes are an essential part of protective gear for workers in industrial environments as they provide an additional layer of protection for the feet, which are vulnerable to various hazards in the workplace.
Types of industrial safety shoes
1. Steel toe shoes
Steel toe shoes, also known as safety toe shoes, are designed to provide protection to the toes and feet of individuals working in hazardous environments. These shoes are commonly worn by individuals in industrial or construction settings, as well as by individuals who work with heavy machinery or equipment. Steel toe shoes are typically made with a reinforced steel cap over the toe box to protect the foot from falling objects or compression.
2. Metatarsal shoes
Metatarsal shoes are a type of work footwear designed to protect the top area of the foot from impact and compression injuries. The metatarsals are long, tubular bones that join the toes on the front side, and they are five in number. These bones are not protected by any bone, and they are only covered by the skin. Therefore, footwear that offers metatarsal protection is necessary in certain work environments to protect workers from hazards such as foot severing, burns, chemicals, and heavyweights.
3. Slip-on construction boots
Slip-on construction boots are a type of work boot that does not have laces and can easily be slipped on and off without much effort. They are ideal for outdoor workers, farmers, and hunters who require protection and comfort during their work. These boots are designed for harsh conditions on the job or in the field, and they come in different styles and designs. Some popular features of slip-on construction boots include 100% leather material, rubber sole, Goodyear welt construction, steel toe, EVA midsole, and a notched welt
4. Non-metallic composite toe boots
Non-metallic composite toe boots are a type of safety work boot that provides protection to the foot without the use of metal components. These boots typically have toe caps made of materials like plastic, carbon fiber, or Kevlar, which are strong synthetic materials that provide protection against impact and compression hazards.
Unlike steel-toe boots, non-metallic composite toe boots are lightweight and do not conduct heat or cold to the foot. This makes them a popular choice for workers who are required to pass through metal detectors, as they do not trigger the alarms. They are also a good option for workers who are looking for more comfort and flexibility in their footwear.
5. Heat resistant safety boots
Heat resistant safety boots are a type of work boot designed to protect the feet from hot surfaces and reduce foot injuries in high temperature environments. According to OSHA and ASTM standards, heat-resistant safety shoes should be able to withstand heat of about 300°C for approximately 60 seconds. These boots are commonly used in industries that involve high temperatures, such as foundries, welding, and glass manufacturing.
6. Electric hazard shoes
Electric hazard shoes, also known as Electrical Hazard (EH) shoes, are a type of safety footwear designed to protect workers from electrical hazards in the workplace. These shoes are made with non-conductive materials that prevent the flow of electrical current through the footwear, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock to the wearer’s feet.
According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), EH-rated boots are tested to ensure they can withstand up to 18,000 volts of electrical shock and have a leakage current of no more than one milliampere (1 mA) under dry conditions.
The best safety shoes for industrial environments
Industrial environments require safety shoes to protect workers’ feet from hazards such as falling objects, electrical hazards, and slips and falls. Here are some of the best safety shoes for industrial environments:
- Timberland Mens Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof 6 CT WP: These boots meet safety standards and are waterproof, making them suitable for outdoor work environments.
- New Balance MID626K2 Industrial Shoe: These shoes are slip-resistant and meet safety standards for impact and compression.
- Fila Mens Memory Workshift Shoes: These shoes have slip-resistant outsoles and are made with durable leather.
- Skechers 77032 for Work Mens Felton: These shoes have slip-resistant outsoles and memory foam insoles for comfort.
- Suadex MT-HJ-677-Black-36 Steel Toe Shoes: These shoes have steel toe caps and slip-resistant outsoles. They are also made with breathable mesh material for comfort.
- KEEN 1006977 Utility Work Shoes: These shoes have slip-resistant outsoles and toe protection. They are also made with breathable material to keep feet cool.
Bottom Line
Safety shoes for industrial environments are designed to provide protection to workers in various industrial environments. They act as a barrier against different risks such as slips, falls, electric hazards, chemicals, and heat. Wearing the appropriate safety shoes is crucial in protecting workers from injuries in different industrial environments. Safety shoes provide reliable protection and help to prevent accidents that may cause severe injuries.