WorkBoot Safety

To some people, one type of boot is the same as another. In construction, you've got to have the right boot for the job.

STEEL-TOED BOOTS FOR MOST WORK

Steel-toed boots should be worn for most work. They not only protect your feet, but keep them dry. Your boots should have good soles to resist punctures or cuts from pointed or sharp objects. Safety insoles can be worn as an extra precaution against nail punctures. Laces that are too long could trip you up. Either cut them off or tuck the excess length in the top of your boots.

NO USE UNLESS YOU WEAR THEM

Probably everyone who wears safety boots can tell you of more than once when their boots prevented a serious injury. One important thing to remember, though: Safety boots will only protect you when you wear them.

WORKING IN WATER

Hip, hip, hooray! That s how many persons who work in water over a foot deep feel about hip boots. They keep their feet dry. It's also the way many persons pouring concrete feel about overshoes. They not only keep the concrete out, but they're comfortable. Overshoes have buckles that hold them tight to the ankle for more support, and there's nothing flopping or hanging from the top. Of course, if you get into concrete over a foot deep, you'll have the unpleasant experience of feeling the concrete seep into the boots and between your toes. You also may experience skin irritation or infection, which concrete can cause.

A form of protection worn in muddy areas is the over-the-shoe boot. Called the engineer's boot by some, it isn't as snug as the overshoe and has a tendency to bend or flop as you walk along.

TAKE CARE IF YOU SHARE

There's always a danger in sharing protective footwear, like hip boots, with someone else. If that person has a foot infection, you'll soon inherit it.