How to Choose the Right Safety Footwear for Comfort & Protection
When it comes to workplace safety, the right pair of protective footwear plays an important role in helping reduce injury and providing comfort. Finding the right safety footwear for your employees that provide both maximum protection and comfort can be a challenge. Here are some steps to help guide you in finding the right safety footwear:
Assess Your Work Environment
When it comes to choosing the right safety footwear, the first step is always to assess your work environment and identify any potential hazards that may be present. This can include things like slippery surfaces, electrical hazards, sharp objects, or chemical exposure. Once you've identified the potential hazards in your workplace, you can then start to narrow down your choices of safety footwear to find the perfect pair for comfort and protection.
Determine the Safety Features You Need
Based on the safety hazards in your workplace environment, you can then choose the right footwear to protect your employees and yourself from these hazards. Slip-resistance is important in many workplaces, as is electrical hazard protection. If you work with chemicals or sharp objects, puncture-resistance may also be important. Impact resistance is another key safety feature, as is heat resistance and cold resistance. By choosing footwear with the right safety features for your workplace, you can help keep yourself safe from injury.
Look for Shoes That Meet ASTM Standards
It's important to make sure your employees shoes shoes meet relevant standards when it comes to safety. Many organizations, such as the Operational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and ATSM International conduct independent testing and certification of safety footwear to ensure that they meet certain standards for safety and performance. Zappos at Work carries a wide assortment of brands and styles that meet safety standards from OSHA and ASTM. Our team works with your business leaders to make sure employees can select from a pre-approved assortment that will meet safety needs.
Consider Personal Preferences
When choosing work boots or shoes, it is important to consider both safety features and personal preferences. Look for shoes that fit well and are comfortable to wear, and consider factors such as weight, support, and ventilation. Safety features such as slip-resistant soles and reinforced toes are important, but so is finding a boot that you will actually want to wear. Consider your own needs and style when selecting work boots, and make sure to choose a pair that will be comfortable and durable.
Test Fit & Comfort Before Deciding
Before your employees select their shoes, it’s important for them to try them on and walk around in them to ensure that they fit well and are comfortable. Zappos at Work makes it easier than ever for employees to order shoes and return them quickly for a different pair if the fit isn’t perfect. All orders have free & fast shipping, returns, and exchanges.
Get the Right Size
When selecting safety shoes, comfort should be a top priority. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort and reduce the level of protection they provide. Conversely, shoes that are too loose can also be uncomfortable and may not offer the same level of support. Therefore, it is important to find shoes for your employees that fit well and are comfortable. This may require employees trying on shoes and exchanging for a different pair based on how well they fit. However, the effort will be worth it in the end, as comfortable shoes can help prevent injuries and improve overall performance.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you find the right safety footwear that provides the necessary protection for your job and work environment while also being comfortable to wear. This will maximize both employee safety compliance and productivity.