You may rarely think about your footwear when working. But in certain industries, wearing the right footwear can prevent injuries or at least lessen the damage done to your foot if you are in a workplace accident.
Especially for construction workers, protective footwear provides an extra layer of protection. Whether you need shoes that provide you with extra support, better traction, or have a steel toe, finding the right footwear can prevent serious injuries. Here are some ways protective footwear keeps workers safe.
Ways Worker Safety Is Enhanced by Protective Footwear
Protection from falling objects. At construction sites and other industrial types of work sites, workers constantly face heavy objects and objects swinging over their heads. If a machine or person drops one of these objects, it could crush a foot. But with the right footwear, your feet are at least protected from catastrophic damage.
These same situations can also involve objects that could pierce your footwear. If your shoes have a steel toe, this can reduce the likelihood of an object piercing your shoe and severely injuring your foot.
Protection from electrical hazards. Workers face electrical shock and potential sparks from static electricity. The right footwear can provide protection against both hazards by reducing the conductivity of electrical currents.
Without protective footwear, your shoes could be good conductors of electricity. This can result in serious damage to your foot and the rest of your body.
Protection from cutting hazards. Construction workers and industrial workers consistently face sharp objects and moving parts. Whether a saw is dropped or a chainsaw gets loose, these objects could cause life-threatening injuries to anyone.
Some industries, such as logging, require workers to wear shoes with cut-resistant material. This gives workers a chance to escape an otherwise hazardous situation.
Preventing slip and fall accidents. Traction on the bottom of your shoes is extremely important. Slipping and falling can happen anywhere, especially in certain types of jobs.
Although work sites should be kept clean and clear of debris and wet surfaces, sometimes you may encounter a slippery floor. If your shoes have the proper traction, you will not slip and fall, avoiding serious injury.
Preventing fatigue. Standing all day, walking around all day, and carrying items are extremely tiring. Your muscles, back, and legs will become visibly fatigued.
If you have the right shoes, they will provide you with proper cushioning, making them comfortable and reducing the fatigue you feel. Preventing muscle strain will also prevent fatigue and back issues.
Preventing burns. Even if you do not regularly work around fire, burns can still happen. Whether a chemical burn, electrical burn, or a burn from a fire, the right footwear can protect you.
The best way to protect yourself from any burns at work is to wear shoes made from durable materials. These shoes are designed to prevent chemicals and other substances from making their way through the outer shell to your foot.
Providing extreme weather protection. Workers must be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions. Construction workers, loggers, and other outdoor workers may face harsh elements while working.
To combat this, you want a shoe that will provide your feet with protection from extreme weather. If you work in a wet or cold environment, you want a shoe that will keep your feet warm and dry. Not all shoes are waterproof or insulated, so make sure you choose the right shoe for your work needs.
Your Company May Have Specific Safety Requirements
Depending on the industry in which you work, your company may be subject to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Some OSHA guidelines require companies in specific industries to mandate workers wear a special type of shoe.
Even if your industry is not subject to OSHA guidelines, your company may still impose footwear requirements to help keep all their employees safe. Follow these requirements so that your feet are protected from potential hazards at work.
Workers’ Compensation
Even the most well-prepared workers still face dangers at work and could get injured. That is why, with few exceptions, all U.S. employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
This is a type of no-fault insurance, which means that unless you intentionally injured yourself, you are probably eligible for benefits under your employer’s policy. Your benefits include:
- Medical bill payment and reimbursement
- Lost income
Note that this is all workers’ compensation covers. It does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages you may face. If you are injured at work, filing a workers’ compensation claim may be the only way for you to recover compensation from your employer.
Be aware that filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem straightforward, but you are still dealing with an insurance company that does not want to pay out the full value of your claim. They want to keep their profits high and, if they pay the full value of your claim, that cuts into their goal.
Therefore, you should consider speaking with a lawyer about your options and to get guidance on your next steps. Even if you have already filed a workers’ compensation claim, be prepared for the insurance company to deny it. But do not fret. You can always appeal. However, to make sure your claim provides all the relevant and required information, you may need the help of a trusted legal advocate.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP, Help Workers after an Accident
Injuries at work can derail your career and your ability to financially support yourself. Wearing protective shoes is a great way to help you stay safe, but even taking precautionary steps cannot prevent all accidents. If you have been injured at work, the Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP, have the experience and tenacity to secure the benefits for which you are entitled. Call us today at 856-761-3773 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients in Camden, Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade, Pennsauken, and throughout South Jersey.
