About Work Boots
While all work boots need to abide by ASTM and OSHA standards, different types of industrial work require different types of work boots. Typically, steel toe work bootsare commonly used for the most standard type of foot protection, with metatarsal protection additional for strenuous occupations like logging. But, while some workers may need a pair of logger work boots, others might need lightweight work boots, or soft toe work boots, as they don’t have a steel toe built in. An employer should specify what kind of foot protection you need for certain working conditions, and that type of protection is listed on any ASTM label for work boots.
The average pair of work boots is made of leather for its durability and water resistance – two key factors for the majority of industrial work places. Some leather work boots can be black work boots with six or eight in lacers, but leather work boots are the most standard type of foot protection, whether or not you decide to purchase Red Wing, Carolina, Georgia, Timberland, or Carhartt work boots. While leather is durable and waterproof, a steel toe is often needed to protect from machinery hazards in the work place. In addition, steel can reinforce the insole and body of the shoe for additional insulation, which is particularly important for logger or winter work boots.
But not all work boots need additional steel reinforcement. Workers who work in food processing industries or those who handle chemicals need chemical protection or slip resistance. This can sometimes be achieved by rubber work boots, or over boots, with additional grip or protection, but many rubber work boots are already designed to protect against chemical spills and to have enough gripping for slippery and wet work areas.
Some work place may have other hazards, such as electrical hazards, and work boots should be work to protect workers from being exposed to high levels of electricity. While many work boots do have electrical hazard protection, these work boots are made to have no conductive materials. However, as certain work environments can be prone to electrical hazards and falling or rolling objects, work boots with electrical hazard protection have a properly insulated steel toe, so the worker can have both electrical hazard and standard foot protection.
Safety work boots are required for a variety of industrial occupations. Whether for construction or a logger, work boots should be both protective and comfortable for the wearer. Work boots themselves need to follow ASTM standards, although anything additional, such as overshoes or over boots, is not tested to meet ASTM or OSHA standards. Both men’s and women’s work boots, although slightly different in size and design, need to meet these standards and ensure that workers have adequate protection on the job.
