Construction Workers & Foot Product Safety

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, foot injuries make up 10 percent of all disabling work related injuries. Construction work presents an increased risk of foot injury, including a higher risk of puncture wounds from nails and other debris, as well as a greater risk of crushing from machinery and falling objects. Additionally, construction workers may be exposed to extreme heat or cold, resulting in other foot complications.



By providing construction workers with approved safety footwear, the Ontario Construction Industry was able to reduce work related foot injuries by 60 percent between 1968 and 1984. Construction workers should look for CSA or OSHA approved footwear, to help protect them against work place foot injuries.

Steel Toes

• Steel toed boots can help prevent many types of foot injuries.

  Shoes and boots with steel reinforced toes can help protect construction workers against many types of work related foot injuries. When selecting steel-toed footwear be sure that the steel reinforcement covers the entire length and width of the toes. A soft inner lining can help ensure that the shoes are comfortable, while still providing adequate protection against puncture wounds and crushing injuries to the toes.

Metatarsal Guards

• Metatarsal guards can help protect the delicate bones of the feet when working on a construction site.

  The metatarsals are delicate bones located at the top and bottom of the foot. These bones form the framework for the arches of the feet. Shoes and boots with built in guards made of steel, metal, fiber or plastic can be purchased at many stores that sell occupational footwear. Separate metatarsal guards which are attached to the outside of the work boot or shoe,can also be purchased at similar retail stores.

Safety Soles

• Slip resistant footwear can help prevent injury when working in wet, icy and snowy conditions.

  Slip resistant and heat resistant soles are recommended for use in construction work. Weather conditions including rain, snow and ice can cause injuries from slips and falls. Wearing boots or shoes with slip resistant soles can help lessen the likelihood that these types of injuries will occur. Heat resistant soles should be worn any time that hot chemicals or substances are being handled on the job site.

Non Synthetic Materials

• Select footwear made of non-synthetic materials.

  Footwear which is made from leather or canvas can reduce the risk of sweaty feet, athletes foot and other foot fungi, especially when working in hot weather. Choose white cotton or wool socks, which can help prevent rashes, itching and other foot problems.

Comfort and Fit

• Properly fitting footwear can help prevent injury and guard against long-term foot complications.

  Ill-fitting footwear can result in a wide range of injuries including slips and falls, twisted ankles and stubbed or broken toes. In addition poor fitting footwear can result in long term foot problems such as fallen arches, and misaligned bones.

  Before purchasing footwear for work be sure to have feet measured, and select shoes or boots to fit the larger foot, if necessary. When shopping for footwear it is best to shop after the end of a regular workday. This is the time when feet are most likely to be swollen.

  Select shoes or boots that have a straight in-sole, rather than a curved one. The footwear you select should allow free movement of the toes, and fit snugly at the heel. Shoes or boots which fasten at the top using Velcro, laces or another type of fastener are recommended, to prevent feet from slipping.