It might be mandatory. OSHA might require that your workplace require its employees to wear steel-toed boots or safety shoes. To be compliant under OSHA standards, some manual labor industries require them to prevent or help injury while on the job. This is the case with industries where employees are exposed to hazards such as falling objects, objects that could pierce the sole of a shoe, or electrical hazards.

Foot injuries are a common workplace injury. Foot injuries come in all shapes and sizes, some of which include punctures, lacerations, crushing, sprains, and falls.

Many steel-toed boots can withstand up to 75 pounds of falling pressure from objects dropped from up to three yards. Moreover, it’s been tested and proven that many steel-toed boots can withstand several hundred pounds from a dropped object.

You can still be safe without sacrificing comfort. There are several ways to improve the comfort level of your feet while keeping them protected. Be sure to choose the right shoe size, make sure your boots are long enough (and that they go well past your ankles), and choose socks that are meant for use with steel-toed boots. Some socks are ergonomically made to provide the most comfort while wearing safety boots.

If you’re not wearing steel-toed boots and your employer requires it under OSHA, you could be sent home from work. If safety shoes or boots are required, employers are allowed to send their employees home under OSHA compliance standards and for not acting in a safe manner.

Steel-toed boots help prevent a wide range of injuries, not just injuries from falling objects. They can also help prevent injuries due to slips and falls, cuts/lacerations and burns, and punctures. A sturdy safety shoe or boot makes it more difficult for injuries such as these to occur.

Safety footwear can also help alleviate discomfort that comes from prolonged standing on hard floors and surfaces.  Believe it or not, safety boots often times provide extra support and comfort, which can raise overall comfort levels while standing for a long time.

Safety shoes can be fashionable, too. Some brands provide a wide selection of shoes that are easy on the eyes without sacrificing safety.

Tailored protection is available. With the many choices of steel toe boots out there, many are made for specific areas of work.

It’s about  your health. Any kind of protective equipment that is proven to prevent injury while on the job should be utilized. 

Source: www.safetyshoedistributors.com