Workers in some industries, such as construction and manufacturing, may be told that they need to wear steel-toe shoes at work. While it might seem like overkill to some people, this is actually an important safety consideration for many jobs.
Steel-toe boots are manufactured with a steel tip to help protect the toes from being injured. Employers may require them for some workers. There are also some Occupational Safety and Health Administration steel-toe footwear requirements for certain industries and job duties.
Protections offered by steel-toe shoes
The piece of steel that protects the toes stops them from being crushed if something falls on your foot. This is important if you’re working in an area where lumber or other items can fall. It doesn’t take a very heavy object to injure the toes, so erring on the side of caution is a good idea.
Some people believe that the steel tip in the shoes could cause harm to the toes if something is dropped on the foot. It’s a myth that the steel in the toe area of the shoe will lead to bodily damage.
Besides the benefit of protecting your toes, steel-toe boots also have slip-resistant soles. This reduces your chance of slipping on slick surfaces, which can prevent injuries to your foot and other areas of the body.
When injuries happen despite your precautions
Any worker who suffers an injury while doing their job duties should seek the benefits they’re due through workers’ compensation. Some workers will have to fight to get the benefits they deserve. Working closely with someone who’s familiar with these cases can help you to get what you’re due, even if you have to appeal a determination.
