Safety shoes are an essential part of a worker's life. They play an important role in protecting the feet from injury. To fulfill this mission, they need to be in good condition. This may seem obvious, but in our busy lives, we tend to forget this crucial aspect.
There are no precise dates for replacing safety shoes, as this depends on the nature of your work. However, there are certain elements or situations which may alert you to the need to replace your pair.
General inspection
When inspecting your safety shoes, look out for any visible signs of damage, such as holes or tears. Also be sure to check if the protective toe cap is visible through the material, if the soles are becoming worn and smooth, if there is a loss of flexibility, if internal protective parts are visible or if seams are coming loose. Also, if you have a waterproof membrane, check to see if your shoe is taking on water. If you've noticed any of these problems, it's time to think about replacing your safety shoes.
After an incident
It's important to consider what your safety footwear has already endured. For example, have you recently suffered an impact on the protective toe cap of your shoes? Even if there are no visible dents, protection can be compromised. So it's crucial to examine them carefully after an incident, and consider replacing them if necessary.
Demanding working conditions
Due to the variation in requirements and working conditions between workers, safety footwear wears differently. If you work long hours in extreme conditions, you'll probably need to replace them more often than someone who works indoors, or someone who only wears them occasionally.
Whatever your situation, it's essential that all workers carry out regular inspections of their safety footwear. While most don't need to replace them every six months, it is advisable to examine them carefully after at least six months' use to assess their state of wear.
If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to consult one of our expert advisers by visiting one of our 7 stores across Quebec. They'll be happy to answer all your questions!
