LS : If the Protective Shoe Fits, They’ll Wear It

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Topic: Personal Protective Equipment

If the Protective Shoe Fits, They’ll Wear It

Once you have identified the proper foot protection for a task, it is essential that it fit properly. Ill-fitting footwear can create problems of its own. For one thing, employees will be less likely to wear poorly fitting shoes or boots, putting themselves — and your organization — at risk. For another, a bad fit can result in calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails, flat feet, and various other foot problems.
A foot protection book provides the  offers tips on getting a good fit:

• The inner side of the shoe must be straight from the heel to the end of the big toe.
• The shoe must grip the heel firmly.
• The forepart must allow freedom of movement for the toes.
• The shoe must have a fastening across the instep to prevent the foot from slipping when walking.
• The shoe must have a low, wide-based heel; flat shoes are recommended. 
  In addition, the user should keep in mind:
  
• Do not expect that footwear that is too tight will stretch with wear.
• Have both feet measured when buying shoes. Feet normally differ in size.
• Buy shoes to fit the bigger foot.
• Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size.
• Ask a doctor’s advice if properly fitting shoes are not available.
• Consider purchasing shock-absorbing insoles when a job requires walking or standing on hard floors.

As with any PPE, OSH requires you to train your employees in the proper use of protective footwear. At a minimum your training must cover:

• When PPE is called for
• What PPE to use for particular hazards
• How to put on, adjust, wear, and remove PPE properly
• Any PPE limitations—and how long the equipment should last
• How to care for, maintain, and dispose of PPE properly

OSH is serious about this training. The standard states that workers can’t perform work requiring PPE until they demonstrate “an understanding” of what was learned “and the ability to use PPE properly.” Written certification must name each employee who meets those criteria. If employees don’t meet these criteria—or if changes in operations or PPE make the previous training out of date—you must provide retraining.