The effects of unsuitable footwear in the workplace can range from sinking morale through to creating hazards.
There are several elements that make a wellington right (or wrong) for your workplace. Here’s what to look for when equipping your team:
Safety
Slip and trip hazards exist in almost all workplaces.
Ensuring regular cleaning of footwear is important, but not enough. Staff should wear footwear that is adapted to the conditions.
An angled sole design, for example, maximises a wellington’s grip on wet or greasy surfaces.
A flat, granular sole provides even greater slip resistance.
Comfort
Comfort must be a key consideration in industries where the footwear is worn for eight-hour shifts. This often comes down to the weight of the boot, the materials it’s made from, and the design. Polyurethane is a lightweight material perfectly suited for use in food industry wellingtons.
It can be difficult to tell which boot will do the trick when browsing a catalogue, which is why we offer wearer trials before you commit to a purchase.
Safety standards
Look for EN ISO 20345 certification to make sure your footwear meets the requirements of your industry.
And make note of the additional ratings to understand which situations a product is suitable for, and what protection it provides.
Enjoyed this? Read more from Jon Holt, Delta Plus UK