Are you worried about injuring yourself while working in the construction industry? Well, you should be. Statistics show that 21% of all work-related deaths in the USA were in the construction industry. They include deaths by falling, electrocution, and being hit by an object among others.
You must, therefore, think about your safety and prioritize safety gear. And one of the most important gears is the protective work shoes. Not only do shoes protect you from compression, impact, and puncture injuries, they may also save you from electrocution. But how should you go about choosing the right shoes? Read on to find out.
What is the Main Hazard?
What kind of injury are you more at risk of when working in construction? You must choose protective work shoes based on the main hazard of your occupation. For example, if you tend to work around many work tools and there is a risk of electrocution, then select shoes with electric-resistant rubber outsoles should be considered.
If you are at risk of dropping objects, prioritize metatarsal shoes that protect the upper part of your feet. Steel-toed shoes are a necessity where work involves objects that can compress or drop on your toes. And when you work on slippery surfaces, be on the lookout for slip-resistant shoes that have a firmer grip at the bottom.
Get a Good Fit
Considering the number of hours you are likely to spend in your shoes, you need to be as comfortable as possible. You should ensure that your feet fit well. Don’t think that you can break them in and they will expand later. If they are too tight, you will end up with blisters and other injuries that you are trying to avoid.
So, make sure you wear the shoes you intend to buy and test if they fit well. And wear your work socks, too. The measurement needs to be accurate. When you push your feet forward, the width between the shoe heel and the back of the shoe should be the same as that of your index finger.
Try Your Shoes Midday or After Work
When the weather is hot, your feet swell. That’s something you should think about when buying shoes. The sun is usually hottest at midday. Also, at the end of your workday, your feet may be swollen. Both these times offer you the best way to determine whether your shoe is the right length and size.
When you fit your work shoes when your feet are swollen, you will get a much better idea of what you should buy. Your feet should still be comfortable in the protective work shoes even at their most swollen.
Make sure you tie the shoelaces and walk around just to make sure everything fits just right. Get a feel for arch support. If your work boots bend in that area, then the support is inadequate. You are going to have problems if you wear them for long hours.
Inspect Every Shoe
The kind of protective work shoes you wear will determine how comfortable you will be on a daily basis. So, do your research and find the right shoes for the job. And when you do, make sure they are the right length and size. You will be spending long hours in those shoes, so take as much time as you need until you get the perfect pair.
