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5th Nov 2019
As a forklift operator, you will be exposed to different environments in the course of work that demand additional protection.
One P.P.E( Personal Protective Equipment) that has always proved helpful for environments like construction sites is the safety boot or safety footwear.
However, for most applications, not just any safety boot will do as you need to ensure they offer adequate protection against the potential threats specific to your work environment.
Some of the threats you are likely to get exposed to that safety wear can protect you against are;
Falling objects
Sharp objects
Corrosive chemicals
Extreme Temperature
Slippery work environment.
Fires
To ensure you are adequately protected here are some factors that you should always consider while choosing safety boots.
Go For Comfort
Safety shoes come in all manner of designs that might fit your style. However, the most important factor should be selecting shoes that offer you a high level of comfort during operation. Therefore ensure the shoes do not pinch as this pinch will be magnified while you are operating the forklift since your toes will be pressing against the toe cap. Try and walk around in them to see if they offer your feet enough room without also being too loose.
Steel Toe Cap
Operating a forklift means being constantly exposed to the danger of falling objects or forklift tires running over your feet. When this happens and your toes are not protected you will end up with very fatal injuries.
For this reason, any safety boot that you choose should come with a steel toe cap that offers protection to your toes.
You should also buy safety boots in the afternoon when your feet are swollen so that you establish whether they offer protection for your toes while upholding comfort.
Tough Outer Material
Apart from the steel toe cap, the material your shoes are made of is also important for your overall safety. Ensure the material is not impenetrable by elements like water which can lead to discomfort once it's trapped in the shoes.
If they offer insulation that is plus especially if you will be operating in cold temperatures that expose you to frostbites. It should also be breathable so that you do no sweat on the feet area. But even if you do the safety boosts should absorb the resulting moisture to keep feet dry.
Some of the shoes in the market today are made of rubber, composite material, man-made leather.
Adequate Sole Protection
If your work environment consistently exposes your feet to injuries or accidents then the sole of the safety shoes should offer you additional protection. For instance, the soles should be impenetrable to protect your feet against sharp objects that might pierce through. They should also provide the shoes with an enhanced grip for better traction and as a protection against trips, slips, and falls.
Therefore, the first thing that you should go for is shoes that are comfortable. They should also have a steel toe cap that offers protection for your toes. Overall protection for your feet should be provided for by a tough and durable outer material that can withstand different elements. If you operate in a wet environment or one with sharp objects then go for a tough sole that can't be penetrated by the sharp objects while offering better traction.
Forklift Tire Company is one of the largest suppliers of forklift tires in the USA. We are happy to help you find the right tires for your forklift truck. Visit our online store here for great discounts or email us at sales@forklifttire.com, our customer service team is ready to assist you.