Trends in ... foot protection

By Tracy Haas, editorial assistant

A foot or toe injury can greatly affect how a worker performs his or her job, so it is important to wear proper foot protection and follow all applicable standards regarding foot protection.

According to the National Safety Council, 32,880 foot injuries (not including toe) and 8,920 toe injuries occurred in the private sector in 2009.

Brandon Barker, brand manager for Fort Worth, TX-based Justin Original Workboots, offers advice about looking for better foot protection. “While steel-toe boots are a good option for toe protection, they don’t protect your metatarsals,” he said. “I recommend you look for impact-absorbing technology that meets or exceeds ASTM F2413-11 standards for impact protection for the area from the toe to the top of the instep.”

Barker also pointed out that “only select boots meet or exceed ASTM F2413-11 standards for impact, compression and electrical hazard.” He added that some boots are better than others. “Coming in at a fraction of the weight, certain work boot options provide comfortable protection that won’t wear you down.”

Fortunately for workers, the foot protection industry offers an abundance of choices for every type of workplace. “When shopping for work boots, you should look for technologies that meet the established safety standards so you know you’re getting boots that are proven to protect against the hardest working conditions,” Barker said. “It’s also important to choose work boots that are durable and work as hard and as long as you do, offering long-lasting comfort during grueling hours on the job.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

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