Once you've provided footwear that's suitable, fits perfectly and is comfortable, you then need to ensure the quality of the shoes is maintained. If footwear is not regularly maintained, it will quickly become unsuitable, despite all previous precautions. advises that PPE must be properly looked after and stored when not in use. Before wearing, safety footwear should always be checked for faults, damage, wear and tear, and dirt.
Footwear should also be cleaned regularly. If boots are smooth leather, they should be polished and treated; if you provide suede footwear, it must be brushed and treated with a water-resistant spray. Soles should be brushed and washed to remove dirt and contaminants, and the shoes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For more detailed cleaning instructions, you should refer to the maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your chosen safety footwear.
As soon as safety footwear is no longer fit for purpose and cannot be repaired, it's time to replace them. There are several warning signs that signal when footwear has reached retirement age, such as damaged toes, protective components showing, separation of rubber or PVC parts, worn tread design, and cuts, cracks or punctures that could cause leaking. If you have any doubt over whether the footwear can do what it was originally intended to, it's time to dispose of it!
Providing your team with a "standard" pair of safety boots, regardless of their roles, the work environment or their individual needs, is simply not sufficient to keep your workers safe and comfortable. Safety footwear should be chosen carefully with due consideration for fit, comfort, purpose and the specific workplace hazards employees may be exposed to. A good place to start when choosing work boots and shoes is referring to the EN ISO 20345 standard. Workers who feel protected, valued, safe and comfortable are more likely to be content and motivated to deliver their best performance. Investing in appropriate safety footwear benefits employer and employee alike and it's something you won't regret, so why not browse our extensive range and choose the perfect safety footwear for your team today?