FOOT
AND LEG PROTECTION
According
to the BLS survey, most of the workers in selected
occupations who suffered foot injuries were
not wearing protective footwear. Furthermore,
most of their employers did not require them
to wear safety shoes. The typical foot injury
was caused by objects falling fewer than four
feet and the median weight was about 65 pounds.
Again, most workers were injured while performing
their normal job activities.
For
protection of feet and legs from falling or
rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal,
hot surfaces and wet slippery surfaces, workers
should use appropriate footguards, safety shoes,
or boots and leggings. Leggings protect the
lower leg and feet from molten metal or welding
sparks. Safety snaps permit their rapid removal.
Aluminum
alloy, fiberglass, or galvanized steel footguards
can be worn over usual work shoes, although
they may present the possibility of catching
on something and causing workers to trip. Heat-resistant
soled shoes protect against hot surfaces like
those found in the roofing, paving and hot metal
industries.
Safety
shoes should be sturdy and have an impact-resistant
toe. In some shoes, metal insoles protect against
puncture wounds. Additional protection, such
as metatarsal guards, may be found in some types
of footwear. Safety shoes come in a variety
of styles and materials, such as leather and
rubber boots and oxfords.
Safety
footwear is classified according to its ability
to meet minimum requirements for both compression
and impact tests. These requirements and testing
procedures may be found in American National
Standards Institute standards. Protective footwear
purchased prior to July 5, 1994, must comply
with ANSI Z41-1967, USA Standard for Men's
Safety-Toe Footwear. Protective footwear
purchased after July 5, 1994, must comply with
ANSI Z41-1991, American National Standard
for Personal Protection-Protective Footwear.
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