Personal Protective Equipment Foot and Leg Protection ...

Many types of protective footwear are available for work involving toe and foot hazards. Some are designed for work in a specific craft or industry, such as for fire-fighters, loggers, electricians, or welders. Others provide a specific type of protection, such as crushing, impact, or electrical contact protection. Many footwear options offer combined protection, such as steel-toed, chemical-resistant boots

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General Requirements

All, required protective footwear must be paid for by the employee&#;s college, department, or unit, or by a grant, project, or another funding source.

Funding for Ordinary safety-toe shoes or boots, when required, may be limited, subject to the State AllotmentState Allotment&#;The purchase of required safety shoes, i.e.: footwear that provides the protection of an ordinary safety-toe shoe or boot may be limited, subject to the state allotment required by the NC Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Ordinary safety-toe shoes or boots, when required, are not considered specialty protective footwear. As such, departments are not required to offer any subsidy above the state allotment. The current state allotment for safety shoes is $250 maximum per employee on each biennium budget.&#;.

What is an ordinary safety-toe shoe or boot?

• Safety-toe shoes offer impact and compression (crushing) protection and typically have oil-resistant and non-skid soles and leather uppers.
• The employee must be allowed to wear the safety-toe shoes off the job site.
• The current State Allotment

  State Allotment

  &#;The purchase of required safety shoes, i.e.: footwear that provides the protection of an ordinary safety-toe shoe or boot may be limited, subject to the state allotment required by the NC Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Ordinary safety-toe shoes or boots, when required, are not considered specialty protective footwear. As such, departments are not required to offer any subsidy above the state allotment. The current state allotment for safety shoes is $250 maximum per employee on each biennium budget.&#;

  for safety-toe shoes is $250 maximum per employee on each biennium budget.
• The supervisor must specify the required protective features for footwear and select, or allow the employee to select, safety-toe shoes that cost no more than the State Allotment

  State Allotment

  &#;The purchase of required safety shoes, i.e.: footwear that provides the protection of an ordinary safety-toe shoe or boot may be limited, subject to the state allotment required by the NC Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Ordinary safety-toe shoes or boots, when required, are not considered specialty protective footwear. As such, departments are not required to offer any subsidy above the state allotment. The current state allotment for safety shoes is $250 maximum per employee on each biennium budget.&#;

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• The employee is responsible for costs exceeding this allotment.

Specialty protective footwear, when required, must be provided at no cost to employees.

What is specialty protective footwear?

• Specialty protective footwear provides protection for hazards other than, or in addition to, protections provided by ordinary safety-toe shoes
• Protective footwear that combines the protections of ordinary safety-toe shoes with additional protection, such as electrical hazard rating, metatarsal protection, or chemical resistance, is considered specialty protective footwear.
• Supervisors must specify the required protective features for footwear.

 

Subject to state allotment Specialty Protective Footwear
Provided at no cost to employees Ordinary safety toe shoes or boots Shoes with required protections other than, or in addition to, ordinary safety toe shoes or boots. Ordinary safety toe shoes with optional, but not required, additional protections such as EH rating or metatarsal guards. Personal protective equipment required for special applications such as logging chaps, calk-soled boots, electrical hazard rating, waterproofing,  or chemical resistance with or without safety toe protection. The State Allotment

State Allotment

&#;The purchase of required safety shoes, i.e.: footwear that provides the protection of an ordinary safety-toe shoe or boot may be limited, subject to the state allotment required by the NC Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Ordinary safety-toe shoes or boots, when required, are not considered specialty protective footwear. As such, departments are not required to offer any subsidy above the state allotment. The current state allotment for safety shoes is $250 maximum per employee on each biennium budget.&#;

allows $250 per biennium. Initial or replacement costs exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the employee. When inspection of the protective footwear determines significant wear, degradation or other defect, replacement protective footwear must be provided at no cost to the employee, regardless of frequency of replacement.

 

• When additional protection is included but not required, the safety shoes or boots are subject to the State Allotment

  State Allotment

  &#;The purchase of required safety shoes, i.e.: footwear that provides the protection of an ordinary safety-toe shoe or boot may be limited, subject to the state allotment required by the NC Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). Ordinary safety-toe shoes or boots, when required, are not considered specialty protective footwear. As such, departments are not required to offer any subsidy above the state allotment. The current state allotment for safety shoes is $250 maximum per employee on each biennium budget.&#;

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• When additional protection is required in combination with ordinary safety-toe shoes, the protective footwear is considered specialty protective footwear and must be paid for by the department at no cost to the employee.
• Replacement of specialty protective footwear must be paid for by the department at no cost to the employee, regardless of replacement frequency.
• Replacement of protective footwear is required when the footwear no longer meets the manufacturer&#;s specifications. This could include sole separation, significant wear or degradation of components, or another defect as determined during inspection.
• Employees who are provided safety-toe shoes with required additional protection, i.e.: specialty protective footwear, provided at no cost to the employee, are not entitled to an additional state allotment, provided they are allowed to wear the shoes off the job-site.
• When employees are required to wear specialty protective footwear (e.g.: chemical resistant boots) and are also required to wear ordinary safety shoes or boots for a different task, the specialty protective shoes must be paid for at no cost to the employee, and the ordinary safety shoes or boots are subject to the state allotment. The department may prohibit specialty footwear from being worn off the job.
• The PPE Hazard Assessment must specify each type of footwear required.

Foot Hazards

Sample Activities Hazard Foot Protection Examples Lab work, pesticides, equipment refueling, handling chemicals, spill clean-up, Chemical/
Biological Chemical protective or resistant shoes or boots or shoe covers Working around large animals or moving equipment such as forklifts, aerial lifts, pallet jacks, heavy carts, or when moving heavy equipment or materials such as drums, large cylinders, large metal or wood pieces or lumber Compression Safety toe or safety toe with metatarsal protection Moving heavy equipment or materials such as drums, large cylinders, large metal or wood pieces or lumber, jackhammering, pavement breaking, steel work Impact Safety toe or safety toe with metatarsal protection Electrical maintenance work greater than 50V AC or DC, installing electrical equipment, equipment grounding, foot contact with live conductors Electrical shock Electrical hazard (EH) safety toe shoes, waterproof shoes, Operating a snowplow, snow clearing, animal care workers (outside activities), working with molten metal Extreme Heat/Cold Insulated Safety ToeThermal Boots Use of chainsaw, pole saw, blade/string trimmer, axe or mattock Cutting tools Logging boots, kevlar or cut resistant boots, Kitchen work, icy surfaces, anywhere walking surfaces are slippery Slippery surface

Wet Surfaces

Non-slip shoes, ice cleats or spikes, Calk-soled boots Grain milling, spray painting,  working with flammable liquids, explosives, plastics Explosion Conductive footwear (to minimize static electricity)

 

General Selection and Use Requirements

• Use the PPE Hazard Assessment as a tool to determine and document the selection of protective footwear.
• Different footwear protects in different ways. Check the product&#;s labeling or consult the manufacturer to make sure the footwear will protect the user from the hazard.
• Each affected employee must wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a hazard to the foot or leg.

Types of Foot Protection

• Steel/Composite Safety Toe
  • Provides protection to the toes where personnel are exposed to a crushing or impact injury.
  • Slip-on toe caps are available when toe protection is needed for short or temporary use.
• Metatarsal Guard
  • Provides protection to the top of the foot (metatarsal bones) as well as the toes.
  • Guards are available and built into the boot or as a temporary accessory where protection is only needed for a short period of time.
•  Static Dissipative &#; Electrostatic Discharge &#; ESD &#; Conductive
  • Static dissipative shoes minimize the buildup of electrical charge between a person in motion and the surfaces and environment around them, by conducting the charge through the shoes to the ground.
  • Commonly used in manufacturing of electronic components, flammable liquids, explosives, and plastics.
• Electrical Hazard (EH) &#; Non-Conductive
  • EH rated shoes are electrical insulators and prevent or reduce the flow of electrical current from the feet to the ground. EH rated shoes can also prevent electric shock from contact with a live conductor.
• Dielectric Electric Overshoes
  • The soles of these shoes provide a barrier to protect personnel from open electrical sources up to 600 volts.  Protection is provided against the touch or stepping on an energized conductor.  These are typically used for working on live power or in the area of live power where the current can jump large distances, especially in wet or damp conditions.  Typically used when performing equipment grounding near power lines.
• Thermal Insulated Shoes
  • Constructed to resist high heat and cold situations
  • Provides insulation against hot and cold temperatures and are intended for tough outdoor environments.
  • Constructed to resist high heat and cold situations
•  Waterproof Shoes
  • Constructed to keep the feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
• Chemical-Resistant Shoes
  • Chemical-resistant shoes are constructed of various materials to provide protection against chemical and biological hazards.
  • Ensure the protective material is compatible with the chemical being used.
  • Slip-on overshoes or booties can also be used for chemical or biological protection.
• Puncture-Resistant Shoes
  • Designed to protect the midsole of the foot where sharp objects can pierce or penetrate the sole of the shoe.
• Slip-Resistant Shoes
  • Provides slip-resistant tread for wet, oily, and/or greasy floors.
  • Shoe chains, cleats, or spikes are available to fit over existing boots to prevent falls on ice, snow, or other slick surfaces. Never wear ice or snow cleats when walking on hard surfaces other than snow or ice.

Selection of Foot and Leg Protection

The following chart provides general guidance for the proper selection of foot protection.

Protection Hazard(s) Workplace Environments Steel or composite toed safety shoes, boots, or covers Impact, compression, cuts, abrasions Construction, demolition, renovation, plumbing, building maintenance, trenching, utility work, grass cutting, materials handling Metatarsal footwear Severe impact or compression to the top of the foot Jack-hammering, pavement breaking, heavy pipes, steel or ironwork, skid trucks Heat-resistant boots and/or leggings/chaps Molten metal, super-heated fluids Foundry work, welding operations Chemical-resistant footwear/leg wear Splash hazard or direct contact/work with certain chemicals Acid and chemical handling, degreasing, plating, spill response Static Dissipative Should be used in conjunction with static dissipative flooring. Work on electronics, computer components, solvent-based paints, explosives, and plastics Conductive footwear Work near or in explosive or hazardous atmospheres. DO NOT use it when exposed to electrical hazards. Explosives manufacturing, grain milling, spray painting, or similar work with highly flammable materials Electrical footwear Work on or near exposed energized electrical wiring or components. DO NOT use in areas that have potential flammable or explosive atmospheres. Building maintenance, utility work, construction, wiring, work on or near communications, computer or similar equipment, and arc or resistance welding

Storage and Care

• All safety footwear should be inspected routinely for cuts, holes, tears, cracks, worn soles, and other damage that could compromise the protective qualities.
• Footwear required for certain hazards, such as electrical, hazardous materials, or chemical resistance should be inspected by the user prior to each use.
• Follow manufacturer&#;s instructions on inspection, care and storage.
• Damaged or defective footwear must be taken out of service and discarded.

Types of Protective Leg Wear

• Leg Guards
  • Leg guards are designed to cover the knee, shin, and top of the foot from impact or abrasions.
• Waders
  • Provide water-proof protection for the feet, legs, and/or lower torso.
• Chaps
  • Chaps provide protection to upper and lower legs and are usually hazard and/or task-specific.
  • Chainsaw chaps are made of multiple layers of cut-resistant fabric, which is designed to jam the chain saw chain and stop the cutting action before it reaches the skin.
  • Welding chaps are typically made of leather and provide heat/burn protection from sparks and slag.

Protection Hazard(s) Workplace Environments Leg guards Impact, compression, cuts, abrasions Logging Operations, Tree Work, Chain Saw Work Waders Wet Environments Wet Environments, lakes, pools, pits, fishing Chaps Impact, compression, cuts, abrasions Tree Service, Logging Operations, ChainSaw Work

 

Storage and Care

• All safety protective legwear requires routine inspection for cuts, holes, tears, cracks, and other damage that could compromise the protective qualities.
• Follow manufacturer&#;s instructions on inspection and care, storage

 

 

When you think about shoes for the workplace, heavy-duty footwear such as steel toe boots may come to mind. These boots, which have reinforced toes to protect the feet from hazards such as heavy objects, are important personal protective equipment (PPE) at many industrial and construction worksites.

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Many kinds of shoes exist that can make jobs safer, though, not just steel toe boots. Other types of boots and shoes can provide traction, arch support and other safety benefits. To find the right foot protection for the jobs in your workplace, you&#;ll need to do a hazard assessment and determine what kinds of risks&#;such as slipping and falling or sharp objects&#;pose a threat to your employees&#; feet. Then select shoes or boots that offer the right protection.

Shoes may not seem as critical to workplace safety as protective eyewear or gloves, but footwear provides many benefits. If anyone in your workplace doubts the value of investing in footwear, offer him or her some of the ways safety shoes can keep workers safe.

Functions of Safety Shoes

Foot injuries can be debilitating, resulting in time away from work or difficulty performing a job. Wearing safety shoes or boots can help prevent many foot injuries in the following ways.

1. Protect from Falling & Flying Objects

When workers carry heavy materials or work in dynamic environments where many people, machines and vehicles are operating at once, falling and flying objects are common hazards. Protective shoes like steel toe boots can effectively prevent crushing injuries to the feet.

2. Protect from Punctures 

When workers could step on sharp objects or be struck by sharp objects from above, shoes with heavy-duty soles and thick materials surrounding the foot offer the best protection. At construction worksites, for example, many sharp objects could be in someone&#;s path. A soft-soled shoe might not provide enough protection.

3. Protect from Cutting Hazards

Machinery that is sharp or contains moving parts can pose cutting hazards. Workers in the logging industry, for example, face dangers from chainsaws. If a chainsaw were to come in contact with someone&#;s foot, the result could be catastrophic. Logging boots&#;which are required by OSHA under standard 29 CFR .266(d)(1)(v)&#;made with cut-resistant material will protect those workers who use chainsaws. These boots are also waterproof or water repellant and support the ankles.

4. Protect from Electrical Hazards

Electricity poses a variety of risks in the workplace. Workers could face potential electric shocks or accumulate static electricity, which can lead to electric sparks in certain environments.

To reduce the chances of an electrical accident, non-conductive footwear made from leather, rubber or other materials that don&#;t conduct electricity can be worn. In locations where the build-up of static on the body poses a hazard, anti-static or conductive footwear can be used. These options reduce the amount of static that accumulates on the body, preventing static electric sparks.

5. Prevent Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips and falls can happen in any workplace and result in many accidents annually. Businesses can take steps such as implementing housekeeping measures and installing anti-slip floor tape to reduce the risks of these mishaps. Proper footwear can also provide additional protection against slips, trips and falls.

Shoes with appropriate traction can help prevent falls on the same level in slippery environments. They can also prevent falls from ladders, which are all too common when people don&#;t wear shoes with proper treads.

Footwear that fits well and feels comfortable can also improve balance, which will help prevent slips, trips and falls, too.

6. Prevent Fatigue

For workers who stand all day, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, fatigue can be a real problem. Muscles in the feet as well as the legs, back and other parts of the body grow tired, and the situation can be worsened when employees don&#;t wear appropriate footwear. Shoes that provide adequate cushioning and arch support can make people more comfortable, which alleviates strain on muscles. This means employees will grow fatigued less quickly. Employees who are less fatigued will be more alert, so they will likely do their jobs more safely and more efficiently.

Preventing muscle strain will also help protect against musculoskeletal disorders such as chronic lower back pain, too.

7. Prevent Burns

Burns from fire can happen in the workplace, but so can burns from chemicals and even from common workplace materials like cement. Footwear made from durable materials can prevent burns from chemicals splashes, molten metal splashes and other dangerous substances that could injure the skin on the feet.

8. Protect from Extreme Weather

We all know that cold weather can lead to injuries such as frost bite and hypothermia, and those dangers shouldn&#;t be overlooked in the workplace. People who work outside in the winter are at risk, as well as employees who work in wet or refrigerated environments.

Furthermore, the cold can exacerbate some less known workplace injuries. For example, Raynaud&#;s Syndrome is a disease where the fingers can turn white from poor blood flow. This condition, related to vibration from power tool use, is made worse when employees are exposed to cold temperatures. In some cases, this disorder can impact the feet, too, so keeping the feet warm and comfortable in conjunction with other measures for keeping the body warm is important.

Not all footwear is waterproof or insulated to provide protection against the cold, rain and snow, so be sure to select shoe options that are made from appropriate materials. 

Don&#;t Forget the OSHA Regulations

As you can see, footwear for the workplace offers many kinds of protection for workers. For those reasons alone, it&#;s worth making a foot protection program part of your workplace. You should also remember that in many work situations protective footwear is required.

OSHA standard 29 CFR .136(a) states:

The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.

Make sure your business follows the requirements and selects the appropriate safety shoes. Doing so will improve safety and comfort, which will make your employees happy, too.

To learn more about selecting work boots for industrial workplaces and what options are available, read Work Boots 101. You can also see a review for work boots at Safety Blog News.

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