Unlike the old days when the only form of safety practices around the workplace involved a very loud “heads up”, things have really changed for the better. Today, industries are taking all the measures possible to ensure that their workers do not suffer from any injuries that could have been avoided. To help achieve the dream of a hazard free, injury free workplace, employers are encouraged to observe safety practices around the workplace. This includes ensuring that all workers are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment as required by law.
One of the most general types of PPE comes in the form of safety work boots. Thanks to some recent advancements in technology, we can proudly say that work boots are the safest that they have ever been. If you want the best protection for you and your workforce, it’s time to upgrade to something more advanced and reliable. Here are the latest high tech features for safety footwear that every worker and employer needs to be on the lookout for.
Top Features to Look for Safe and Comfortable Work Boots
Lightweight Construction
By nature, hard working, heavy duty work boots are inherently heavy and bulky. This can make them very uncomfortable and burdensome to wear all day. This is precisely why some of the most advanced brands are applying new forms of technology and materials to ensure that their work boots are as light as can be.
Your safety around the workplace may be very important, but it’s no use if you can’t function properly or even feel at ease wearing a one ton boot. By using designs, materials, and components that use the latest tech, people can now purchase some of the lightest work boots on the planet. Even with the new dismal weight, these safety boots and shoes still offer superior levels of protection as well as all the durability you would expect in a work boot exposed to the harshest elements.
Easier Rolling Systems
Comfort comes in many levels. And while traditional work boots were more than willing to compromise all your comfort for more protection, this was not a wise move. In the end, these bulky and rigid work boots only helped cause more damage and fatigue to the feet of millions of workers.
Today, world renowned brands incorporate the latest technologies to help you work much easier and more smoother than before. With small improvements like easier rolling systems and pre formed shoe fronts, workers get a natural motion that is supported in a great way. With more natural movement comes less energy used when taking each and every step. This tech helps reduce fatigue, increase comfort and save energy.
Climate Management
In the old days, the only thing that safety boots were good for was protecting against crushing impacts and punctures from below. Whether you were boiling hot or freezing cold was really of no concern to the manufacturers. However, all that has changed with the inception of breathable materials as well as insulated work boots. Since hard work can be hot and sweaty, some of the latest technologies that manufacturers now use include breathable leather uppers that allow for free circulation of air to keep the feet fresh and cool.
Some safety boots even incorporate patented technologies like cool comfort and Drilex for the interior lining materials. These high tech materials consist of several layers that help absorb all the moisture so that workers can stay dry cool and fresh. On the other spectrum, people working in excessively cold environments such as freezers or in the snow were putting their feet at more risk than in warmer climates. This is because the toes are very susceptible to frostbite and even permanent tissue damage. Fortunately, today’s array of work boots for cold environments come with heavy insulation that traps all the warmth inside the boot to keep the feet well heated. They also incorporate waterproof uppers to ensure the feet do not get wet.
Tunnel Systems
While most of today’s collection of safety footwear comes with their own unique combination of features, there are some that stand out more than others. One particular innovation sets some brands apart from the others. This is the Tunnel System which is not commonly found in all work boots. This system involves a distinct notch in the heel area of your shoe that moves and adjusts as the heel hits the ground.
This directly translates to more pressure spread over a very large surface area. This built in shock absorber works very well by absorbing all the shock upon impact and sparing your joints and feet from bearing the full brunt. Spreading the pressure also ensures that the wearer remains upright and feels more stable as they walk and work. It also prevents fatigue and keeps workers focused and on their toes so as to avoid accidents and injuries at the workplace.
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