Why Safety Shoes is Important

25% of all disability claims worldwide are due to foot injury.

Most people assume that foot injury comes from working in dangerous environments but there are a lot of other injuries that can take their toll too. Blisters, dropped arches and even aches and pain can cause employees to take time off work.


There are so many people who work in the construction industry who still question whether or not they have to wear safety boots.  Safety boots can be uncomfortable and many people think that the steel toe does not allow for good air circulation. This can make feet hot and sweaty. There are so many stories of people who have lost limbs all because they failed to follow the proper safety guidelines and wear the appropriate safety wear.


Below is a list of the most common injuries that are sustained when safety footwear is not worn.

• Crushed feet, broken bones and loss of toes. These injuries are more common in the construction industry but they are also reported in the logging and fishing industry too.
• Puncture wounds to the feet. If you work where nails, staples or even scrap metal is used then this can happen when safety footwear is not worn.
• Cuts, lacerations and severed toes are common for those who work with machinery such as chain saws.
• Burns. These can be from chemicals or hot metal splashes.
• Electric shocks. These are most common for electricians and construction workers.
• Sprains and fractures can happen in any workplace and are normally caused by trips and falls.

Steel toe boots surround toes and they also provide protection. If there is heavy equipment or heavy machinery in your workplace these boots can help to prevent serious injuries. When it comes to a choice of wearing metal or losing a toe, metal will always win. If you injure your foot you can actually do enough damage that you won’t be able to work again.


Steel toe boots also protect your ankles and they provide protection from falling objects and sharp materials. If you choose comfort over safety you could end up with an injury that will prevent you from working. Ankle sprains are very common for those who don’t wear safety boots.

       Good footwear should have the following qualities:

• The inner side of the shoe must be straight from the heel to the end of the big toe.
• The shoe must grip the heel firmly.
• The forepart must allow freedom of movement for the toes.
• The shoe must have a fastening across the instep to prevent the foot from slipping when walking.
• The shoe must have a low, wide-based heel; flat shoes are recommended.

       People buying footwear for work should take the following advice:

• Do not expect that footwear which is too tight will stretch with wear.
• Have both feet measured when buying shoes. Feet normally differ in size.
• Buy shoes to fit the bigger foot.
• Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size.
• Ask a doctor's advice if properly fitting shoes are not available.
• Consider using shock-absorbing insoles where the job requires walking or standing on hard floors.

When selecting footwear, one should remember that tight socks or stockings can cramp the toes as much as poorly-fitted shoes. Wrinkled socks, or socks that are too large or too small, can cause blisters. White woollen or cotton socks may be recommended since coloured socks cause skin allergies in some people.


More and more countries are introducing mandatory safety footwear regulations to guarantee protection in the workplace. Steel toed boots are designed to protect the top of the feet. Safety boots and shoes are also been fitted with impact protection also. There are impact absorbing soles and ankle collars fitted to some safety footwear for additional support. Safety trainers are also being made that come with puncture protection. There are also anti slip safety shoes.
With so many different types of safety shoes and boots available there really is no reason not to protect your feet no matter what type of environment you work in.