In a warehouse, your boots do more than complete a uniform. They protect you from heavy loads, slippery floors and countless other hazards. While it’s easy to overlook the details when getting new working boots, the wrong pair can make your job harder and increase the risk of injury.
But this isn’t the sole responsibility of employees. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide “appropriate safety footwear where there is risk of injury”. This means companies must help their workers get the right pair for their specific job, whether it’s roofing, construction, or welding
In this guide, we will break down what warehouse managers and staff should consider when selecting safety footwear.
Choose the Right Safety Rating
Safety footwear comes with a two-letter code that shows the level of protection it offers. In the UK, working boots are classified under EN ISO 20345 standards and safety ratings include SB, S1, S2, and S3.
- SB: This means that the shoes offer basic safety. Only choose this option if you’re looking for protection from impacts below 200 joules.
- S1: These shoes go beyond basic protection and provide anti-static properties. It also absorbs impact energy, keeping you comfortable and reducing stress on your heels, knees, and lower back.
- S2: Adds water resistance on top of what you get from S1 working boots.
- S3: These safety shoes feature penetration-resistant midsoles to protect you from sharp objects in the work site.
Getting the correct safety rating is crucial to ensuring compliance with HSE requirements. More importantly, it helps avoid downturns caused by injuries and spikes in insurance premiums that can spell doom for employers.
Consider the Common Hazards in Your Workplace
Once you’ve nailed the safety rating, you need to turn your attention to the different safety features of working boots. If you work in a warehouse, you might need slip-resistant shoes to protect against falls on slippery surfaces. They have soles with deep ridges for grip, which, in addition to warehouse floors, makes them suitable for outdoor sites covered in mud.
Another common risk of workplace injuries in Britain is impact from falling objects. This can be anything from machinery to bricks that’re heavy enough to crush your toes and feet. If that’s a risk in your workplace, steel-toe cap boots feature a metal shell to protect your toes and feet from impact injuries.
Additionally, electricians and employees working on sites with a high risk of fire should wear anti-static boots. Sparks are among the leading causes of workplace fires, and anti-static shoes help prevent them by preventing static energy from building up as you walk across the floor.
Make Sure Your Boots Fit
Loose shoes can be a hazard in themselves. They can cause slips, especially when climbing ladders or walking on slanting roofs. On the other hand, if they are too tight, it can make your shift feel overly taxing.
So make sure you pick the right shoe size. Ideally, you should try your preferred work boot first, especially steel-toe cap ones that leave little room for error. Additionally, opting for a fastened shoe can ensure a better fit than a slip-on.
When fitting your pair, try them on with your work boots and check the width alongside the length.
The Material Must Suit the Environment
A working boot that feels perfect during the winter months may become a nuisance in warm weather. Different materials offer different levels of comfort, and you might need different pairs for different seasons.
For example, a canvas working boot gives better breathability than a leather one, making it a good choice if you’re concerned about sweating. On the other hand, leather boots are better for wet environments and can keep your feet dry and comfortable in winter.
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