Working in an industrial or construction environment, warehouse, mine, or agricultural environment can be hazardous to your feet. That's why it's essential to choose work boots that are suited to the risks of your job.
However, there are no identical conditions for a specific job. Instead, you should focus on the risks you face in your daily life. This is what determines your choice of safety boots.
In this article, we give you tips on how to choose the best work boots based on the protection they offer and their different features.
Choosing a safety boot or shoe according to the risk of an accident
First of all, it's important to understand the different risks you face in your workplace. The main threats to your feet are:
- The Falls;
- Sharp objects;
- Heavy objects;
- Flammable materials;
- Chemicals;
- Electric shocks;
- Electrostatic charges;
- The perforation;
- Extreme temperatures.
Each specific type of safety boot can protect you from a variety of these hazards. Keep in mind that your boots protect your entire foot, from the ankle to the toes, including the ball and top of the foot, the Achilles tendon, and the heel.
However, depending on the hazards present in your workplace, certain parts of your feet may be more at risk, hence the importance of reading the characteristics of the boots carefully or seeking advice from a specialist .
Furthermore, our article on the protection offered by work gloves (from the wrist to the fingers, and sometimes even the forearms) makes the same observation. Choosing the right personal protective equipment is essential for your safety.
Your employer knows the risks of your job
Your employer is one of the best allies to help you make the right choice. Often, since they are aware of the risks associated with each of the professions in your workplace, they can guide you toward certain models already used by your colleagues.
Risk of falls
For example, if you work in an environment where there is a risk of falls, you will be directed towards a boot with non-slip soles including a coefficient of friction (CoF) between 0.15 and 0.31 to ensure good protection against slipping.
Chemicals
If you work with chemicals, it will be better to have a model with a chemical-resistant lining, such as a boot made of PU-coated leather, Chemtech or Tufftech.
Impermeability
As for resistance to water and other liquids, it is often required, so you must ensure that the waterproofing is suitable for your needs. Some boots, in addition to having waterproof seams, include an additional water-repellent membrane and abrasion-resistant features.
Safety boots with the correct symbol
Be aware that the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ( CCOHS ) has a table listing the symbols on work boots and describing their meaning. By consulting it, you will be sure to make a choice based on the hazards surrounding your work.
It is also important to wear work boots that comply with safety standards. The standards of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), more specifically CSA-Z195-02, and the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST ) establish the minimum requirements for work boots and safety shoes.
HUSKY offers you the perfect balance between comfort and quality with boot brands like Terra, Royer, Timberland, Keen and more.
Comfort is essential to enjoying your work boots and shoes
Ultimately, you work in different positions or on your feet all day. Work boots are already heavier than regular boots, so comfort is even more important.
Choose a model:
- Made of breathable material;
- Made from leather or other reinforced textile;
- Also providing adequate ankle support;
- With good flexibility in the sole;
- Light enough to prevent long-term pain and injury.
To keep your work boots looking their best for longer , make sure you take good care of them. Add an antibacterial and anti-odor treatment to counter the effects of perspiration.
Do you have questions? Husky representatives can help you choose the best boot for your job-related risks.
