{"id":227,"date":"2019-11-26T19:44:01","date_gmt":"2019-11-26T19:44:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/?p=227"},"modified":"2021-12-21T19:15:47","modified_gmt":"2021-12-21T19:15:47","slug":"proper-work-shoes-for-automation-jobs-help-prevent-injury-and-discomfort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2019\/proper-work-shoes-for-automation-jobs-help-prevent-injury-and-discomfort\/26\/11\/","title":{"rendered":"Work Shoes for Automation Jobs To Avert Injury and Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many jobs in the Industrial Automation industry<\/a>, protective work shoes are a necessity.  In some cases, personal protective equipment is a requirement to even access the factory floor.  Healthy feet are crucial for ease of movement; Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump taught us that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even when PPE footwear isn\u2019t required, it\u2019s often still a good idea to protect your feet from damage by rolling or falling objects, to protect from sharp objects beneath your sole,  or to protect from electric shock. In any situation where a possibility of injury exists, workers should adopt a \u201cbetter safe than sorry\u201d approach.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Work shoes are expensive but will serve you well if you choose well. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While OSHA (Occupational  Safety and Health Administration) dictates how personal protective equipment is used, certification standards for safety shoes are actually provided by ASTM International.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to read ASTM specifications <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Footwear manufactured under these safety specifications must be marked somewhere on at least one shoe, typically on the surface of the shaft, gusset, tongue, or quarter lining.   A rectangular border surrounds this marking, which typically has a 4-line format. Line one includes the ASTM code, for example, ASTM F2413-18. Line two identifies whether the shoe is made for men (M) or women (F) and notates if it offers impact resistance (I) or compression resistance(C.)  Lines three and four identifies protection from other hazards. This includes (EH) for electrical hazard protection, (SD) for excess static electricity, (PR) for puncture resistance, and (Mt) for metatarsal protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ASTM f2413-18 vs ASTM f2413-11<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Three of the most common codes you’re likely to come across will be ASTM F2413-05, ASTM F2413-11, and F2413-18. The first of these codes (F2413-05) was the 2005 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear. It was reviewed and updated in 2011 and replaced with F2413-11. Another update was published in 2018. If you notice, it’s the same code except for the last two digits after the dash, which represents the year of publication.   The 2018 update made changes to how shoes were tested, rated, and how these ratings were listed on labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety options for work shoes include<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steel Toe or Alloy Toe Work Shoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These shoes have toe reinforcement to protect the front of the foot from falling objects. Alloy toe shoes use lighter-weight materials like titanium or aluminum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slip-resistant Work Shoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Slip-resistant work shoes have rubberized or patterned soles. This helps workers maintain traction on wet, oily, or slippery surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrical Hazard Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

EH-rated footwear will reduce the likelihood of electrocution by impeding the flow of electricity through the shoe into the ground. EH-rated footwear only offers the rated protection in dry settings. Also, EH-rated footwear is not retested after the fact. That means it’s not tested once it’s in use to ensure factory standards are still met. Although EH-rated footwear offers protection, it’s considered a secondary measure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety shoes come in a variety of styles. For heavy industrial settings, boots are likely the first choice. But in light industrial or for staff who primarily works in lab settings, there are also safety sneakers, booties, and clogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to consider before buying work shoes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safety shoes are an investment. So don’t be in a rush when you’re considering which pair you’re going to buy. Make sure shoes fit properly since most safety shoes won’t stretch like sneakers or thin, leather boots designed for casual wear. Make sure to buy a pair that meets all the safety requirements of your job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, consider your job. If your work takes you through brush or muck, you may need a taller boot. If you’re always indoors, consider shorter to keep the weight down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, make sure your safety shoes are comfortable. There’s nothing so annoying as wearing uncomfortable shoes for eight hours a day. Don’t forsake comfort to save a few dollars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Tips for Improving Safety Shoe Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few tips for improving your on-the-job comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n