Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms. Employees face many possible foot injuries from falling/rolling objects, crushing or penetrating materials, hot substances, corrosive or poisonous materials and electrical hazards to name a few. With such a wide array of potential foot hazards, the task of matching the correct footwear to the hazard(s) is the critical first step. To aid in the selection process, footwear is tested to meet certain performance criteria and marked to identify what hazards they are appropriate for.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2013, approximately five5 percent of all nonfatal occupational injuries that resulted in days away from work were foot related, and they resulted in nine median days away from work. The best way to protect employees and to avoid costly foot-related injuries is to eliminate the hazards by using engineering and/or administrative controls. However, if these are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, protective footwear must be used.