Whether you’re working in a warehouse standing all day on hard floors or on a construction site with heavy objects and machinery, these types of workers have one thing in common. They need to wear the proper safety shoes that are appropriate for the hazardous work environments they are exposed to on a daily basis. The right pair of shoes can prevent or minimize the damage and risk of injury that workers face when they report to work.
Employees working in construction sites should give a lot of thought to their personal safety in the workplace. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of work injuries in the construction industry has hovered around the range of thousands since 2017. A significant portion of these injuries involve falls, slips, and trips. The same data reveals that about 20% workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry. It shows just how risky this work environment is and how taking small steps to improve the safety and well-being of workers can prevent serious work hazards.
All construction workers must wear proper protective gear when reporting for duty. Hard hats are one of them, and so are industrial shoes. The right safety gear can prevent injuries and other serious hazards.
Discover the best industrial shoes that can handle the tough work environment within a construction site.
Best Industrial Shoes for Construction Site
Safety shoes are important in the construction industry given the many hazards present at the job site. If you’re shopping for the best shoes to wear on a construction site, here are the best options available.
1. Safety Toe Shoes
Safety toes, also known as steel toe shoes, are one of the most common types of shoe recommended for use on a construction site. As the name implies, the toes are built with hard materials, such as steel, to cushion the impact on your toes and prevent common injuries, such as broken toes or feet.
The toes are the most sensitive part of the foot. Wearing shoes with a steel cap provides a protective shield for your feet, especially from heavy objects and other falling debris.
When buying a safety toe shoe for construction, choose ones with an extra layer of strength and protection. It makes your shoes highly resistant to damage, and gives you peace of mind whenever you do your job at the construction site. It is essential that you wear this type of shoe when working on scaffolding and with other heavy objects.
2. Met Guard Shoes
Met guard safety shoes are another type of shoes recommended for use on a construction site. This means metatarsal guard shoes or those with an extra protective layer for your toes and the metatarsal joints, or the area of the foot that extends from the toes.
Met guard shoes offer many benefits when worn on a construction site, such as protecting your toes and feet against being crushed by heavy objects. Think heavy tools, construction materials, and scaffolding.
Given the risks involved when working at a construction job, met guard safety shoes offer a first line of defense in case of accidentally dropping these heavy objects on your feet. It is especially true when you are directly involved in lifting or moving heavy objects. Aside from construction workers, safety shoes with metal guards are also beneficial for scaffolders, demolition crews, and contractors.
Wearing safety shoes with metatarsal guards is considered the new face of PPE. It is required in any work environment that faces any risk of heavy objects falling and causing injuries such as fractures or broken bones of the feet. In addition, met guards on shoes are durable enough that they can protect against molten material, so you can prevent your feet from burning.
When buying met guard shoes, pick ones made from a protective composite material which should also be flexible and shock-absorbent.
3. Waterproof Shoes
Another type of shoe commonly worn on construction sites are waterproof shoes. These are required in hazardous work environments, such as construction, farming, and landscaping. Wearing waterproof shoes protects your feet from getting wet, and thus preventing the risk of fungal infections and trench foot. This shoe can keep your feet dry and comfortable while working on a construction site.
However, not all waterproof shoes are made equal. The best waterproof work boots are made of durable materials that not only protect them from water, but also protect your feet from punctures and falling objects. They are made with slip-resistant rubber soles so workers can stay stable on their feet, which is crucial when navigating slippery surfaces or hauling heavy objects or tools.
A good pair of waterproof shoes can last for months or over a year with proper care and maintenance.
4. Slip-Resistant Shoes
Slip-resistant shoes are an excellent choice when you are looking for the best construction work shoes. Greasy surfaces are a common cause of accidental slips and falls in a construction site. And given the high level of injuries involving falls and slips in the construction industry based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, slip-resistant work shoes are a must to prevent injuries and fatalities.
5. High-Cut Shoes
Wearing high-cut safety shoes on a construction site is recommended because it provides additional protection for the ankles and shin area. It ensures all-around protection for workers, especially in rough work environments such as in the construction industry.
When investing in high-cut safety shoes, choose ones made from lightweight leather materials so you don’t compromise mobility on a construction site. The best leather materials can also provide longevity and durability as they tend to be more resilient than other types of construction safety shoes.
And since you’ll be working on a construction site for long hours, it’s important to choose industrial shoes that offer comfort. You should never compromise comfort over safety as you can get the best of both worlds.
Wrap Up
When talking about industrial and safety shoes in the construction industry, be aware that there is more than one type available. This list covers the most basic ones and you have more choices available according to your needs. Thus, research your options and understand the pros and cons of each.
Assess the type of risks you are exposed to in a construction environment and choose your shoes accordingly. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you are well-protected.
