When do I replace my Work boot as a worker

 

Work boots as a preventative method is a great measure to prevent hazards that can cause harm to the feet and the body. In most industries, slips, trips, and falls are among the hazards that cause harm, and with a work boot, it is effectively managed. The work boot cannot effectively perform its work if it has any damage on its body, and some may not even show any sign of damage. Now, to answer the question of when to replace my work boot has always been challenging for workers, and knowing when to replace a work boot will assist in preventing severe workplace injuries.

A work boot that no longer meets expectations threatens your life. They must be more than just comfortable; a good pair of shoes protects you from workplace hazards. Steel soles can protect your feet from falling objects, and rubber lugs provide stability and slip resistance. 

When do I replace my work boots as a worker?

The workers rely on their safety footwear for their daily routine work, and it is essential for them to do so and to know when to replace them since it impacts their safety, productivity, and comfort at work. Most times, depending on the type of safety boot, from rugged boots to robust steel toe variants, each type of work boot has its life span, and the life span also depends on the work activity you engage in. The work activity will determine the level of wear and tear the boot has to undergo. 

Importance of Regular Replacement of Safety Work Boot

The importance of regularly replacing safety boots must be emphasized more. No matter the make or model, safety footwear is precisely engineered to provide various protective features, including a metatarsal guard against heavy falling objects, slip resistance in hazardous environments and situations, and general protection in the workplace. The various protective features in the safety footwear can deteriorate or degrade due to constant wear and tear, and if not replaced on time, it will expose the wearer to more damage.

Signs to Replace Your Work Boots.

Most times, when you have work boots that last for a very long time, they look appealing because they stay for that long, but the duration they have stayed is not recommended for work boots. Having such longevity is not advisable for work boots because they are not designed to maintain integrity after prolonged use. The various features built into the work boot can deteriorate after a prolonged period, though it may not necessarily show in its physical outlook. However, various indicators can help you determine when to replace your work boots to guarantee your safety and productivity, and they include

1. The “toe fold” test.

In this test, you must press up your shoe toe from below, bend it towards the cord, and then let it go. Ordinary, the shoe toe should rise marginally in the front one-third of the sole and return to its original position or spring back to its place. Still, if it doesn’t, but the sole folds up, then the toe touches the lacing, the workbook cannot provide adequate support again. In that case, it has failed the toe fold test.

2. The heel counter is no longer supportive.

In this test, bring both sides of the heel counter surfaces close together. The sides of the heel counter should be flexible but firm enough to preserve a gap between the two sides. If there is no gap between the two sides as they are made to contact, the heel counter needs to be stronger. So, in this case, the heel counter is no longer supportive. 

3. Weathered Midsole.

A portion of a shoe between the outsole and the insole is called the midsole. It absorbs shock and supports the heel. A worn-out midsole can deform and compress erratically.

4. The outsole and midsole are separated.

Excessive use can cause the outsole and midsole of a shoe to separate, mainly seen when the adhesive between the midsole and outsole dissipates or loses its hold on the fabric.

5. I have a sore foot at the end of the day.

ALSO READ:

• Similarities between ISO 45001 and ISO 14001
• What is the difference between hazard and risk in health and safety?
• 6 easy steps on how to become a safety engineer

Suppose you experience pain in the foot after wearing the safety boot, or you experience significant discomfort throughout the day after wearing the safety boot and notice that the pain progresses along that line. In that case, it is sufficient to replace your shoe to prevent further injury to your feet. 

The Lifespan of Safety Footwear

Most times, the lifespan of safety shoes typically depends on usage, frequency, and the specific conditions where the safety boot is being used. Work boots used daily in heavy-duty environments, like construction or manufacturing, might require replacement every six months. Those boots in less demanding conditions may last up to a year or longer. 

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter whether the work boot is still new physically or you feel that it is still protecting your feet or not; the critical thing is knowing when to replace the footwear in order not to expose yourself to more harm. The above article will serve as an excellent guide to lead you in that direction. Make sure that you do everything within your reach to protect yourself.