You are probably aware of the importance of wearing the right type of boots. These can make a major difference in on-the-job comfort as well as preventing workplace or work-oriented injuries.
The American Society for Testing and Materials has developed workplace safety standards in order to address the thousands of preventable injuries that occur on an annual basis. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employers to conduct workplace hazard assessments. These assessments are intended to determine any type of existing or potential risks as well as any conditions that could result in foot injuries.
The U.S. Department of Labors’ Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that on average, when someone sustains a foot injury, they miss a week of work. In some cases, these types of injuries may require employees to miss even more work. This is particularly the case when an extended recovery period is needed following surgery.
One of the main reasons for preventable foot injuries, according to a BLS study, is noncompliance. The BLS’ study found that 75% of foot injuries occurred when workers weren’t wearing the proper required footgear.
On an annual basis, employers spend approximately $70 on foot protection for each one of their employees. This might include one of more of the following types of foot protection:
- Safety shoes and boots
- Rubber or plastic books
- Foot and leg guards
Whether you or your employer are purchasing your footgear, you may be considering one or more of the following types of boots:
- Army authorized boots
- Combat boots
- Comfortable tactical boots
- Comfortable waterproof boots
- Comfortable work boots
- Composite toe boots
- Desert boots
- Heavy duty work boots
- High traction outsoles work boots
- Law enforcement boots
- Military combat boots
When you decide on the best boots for your job, they need to have ample toe room. Be sure to measure the distance between the front of the boot and your toes. This distance should be approximately 12.5 millimeters.
Safety standards also require that you need to have a protective toe cap fixed permanently to the interior of your boots or shoes. This is required even when they are made out of composite or steel materials.
Other important information to take into consideration is impact resistance. There are four classes used to rate impact resistance, with 75 having a superior resistance rating:
- Men: Class 75
- Women: Class 75
- Men: Class 50
- Women: Class 50
If you’re looking for the best steel toe boots, however, Magnum Stealth boots are the best-selling work boot in the world. No matter what field or industry you work in, when you want the best steel toe boots on the market, you will want to try on a pair of Magnum Stealth boots.
In terms of on-the-job performance as well as comfort, the bottom line is that you want the best steel toe boots to protect your feet from becoming injured.