Employees who work near rolling or falling materials are at risk of foot or leg injuries. They must wear proper footwear and leg protection to avoid serious injury. Some work environments involve hot, poisonous, or corrosive substances. When workers handle these hazardous substances, they must wear protective gear. Safety garments are obvious when it comes to working in dangerous environments. They provide protection against some dangers and to some extent.
If a worker’s feet are exposed to electrical shock, wearing non-conductive footwear becomes unavoidable. The nature of the hazards may vary from place to place. Some of the common hazards that can injure legs include sparks, moving objects, chemicals, dirt, hot liquids, etc. Situations in which a worker must wear foot or leg protection include:
- Heavy materials or machines that can roll or fall on a worker’s foot
- Sharp objects such as unprotected machines, nails, tools, etc.
- Molten metals that can splash legs or feet
- Slippery or wet surfaces
- electrical hazards
Employers must develop a safety plan that thoroughly identifies all hazards present and proposes safety measures. Protective clothing and equipment must be designed and provided according to the nature of the potential hazard. For example, safety footwear must meet minimum compression and performance standards. We can find a wide variety of footwear. However, make sure the footwear you choose protects you against the hazards present in your workplace.
Safety clothing, such as overalls and bib overalls, is suitable for workers who have to protect themselves against dirt, chemicals, and hot substances. A flame retardant coverall is a good option if the hazards are limited to sparks and heat. It can protect most of the body from the arms to the legs. Workplace hazards that may require safety covers include high temperatures, adverse weather conditions, metal splash, spray, impact or penetration, dirt, etc. People who must carry out their duties in laboratories must use leg and foot protection to prevent splashes of chemical products.
Protective gear can be a compromise between safety and comfort. Overprotection can limit freedom of movement and make work uncomfortable. However, custom clothing designed specifically for your size and needs can provide comfort and protection. Safety workwear, of course, provides a limited level of protection. It is not advisable to rely solely on garments when your workplace involves the risk of hydrochloric acid splashes. Choose your safety equipment carefully and make good use of it.