According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are the third most common type of non-fatal work-related injuries in the U.S. These incidents often lead to workers taking time off due to injuries, impacting productivity and safety on job sites.
Can Slip-Resistant Shoes Help Prevent Such Injuries?
The Importance of Slip-Resistant Footwear in Construction
Data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries highlights a troubling trend—fatalities from falls, slips, and trips increased by 5.6% in 2021, rising from 805 in 2020 to 850 in 2021.
In the construction sector, these incidents accounted for 370 fatalities in 2021, a 7.2% increase from 2020. These statistics emphasize the importance of construction shoes that provide the necessary support and traction to prevent accidents.
When the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) introduced the F3445 standard for slip-resistant footwear in July 2021, it became the first official slip-resistance standard in the U.S. This standard defines slip resistance as the force opposing a shoe or foot’s tendency to slide on a walking surface.
According to McKinney Podiatric Associates in Texas, professionals who spend long hours on their feet, especially on hazardous surfaces, need shoes with non-slip soles to prevent injuries and discomfort.
Unlike standard shoes, construction work shoes are designed with rubber soles and deep treads to maximize grip. Rubber increases friction between the shoe and the surface, reducing the likelihood of slipping. Additionally, tread patterns play a vital role—crisscross grooves provide better traction than parallel grooves, which may be less effective.
Guidelines for Selecting Slip-Resistant Footwear
The ASTM standard establishes minimum slip-resistance requirements for footwear construction, helping workers reduce workplace injuries in areas with risks such as wet, uneven, or oily surfaces.
Key Considerations When Choosing Men’s Construction Shoes
- Test Method F2913: This method evaluates different flooring conditions and contaminants to ensure footwear performs effectively in real-world job sites.
- Global Compliance: The ASTM standard follows internationally recognized principles set by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade Committee.
- Minimum Coefficient of Friction (COF): Shoes labeled slip-resistant (SR) must pass rigorous traction tests to meet workplace safety requirements.
The ASTM F2913 test assesses heel and forefoot slip resistance using a tribometer, a device that measures friction between two surfaces. To pass, footwear must achieve a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.40 or higher in both heel and forefoot areas—higher COF values indicate better slip resistance.
It’s important to note that while ASTM compliance is crucial, no footwear can eliminate all risks. Workers should choose heavy-duty work shoes that suit their specific job requirements and inspect them regularly for wear and tear.
To ensure maximum safety, construction professionals should look for construction shoes marked with the ASTM F3445 SR label, signifying they have passed industry-standard slip-resistance testing.
Enhancing Workplace Safety with the Right Footwear
Wearing high-quality men’s construction shoes enhances stability, traction, and protection for workers dealing with hazardous surfaces. Yurinox Workwear has built a solid reputation for offering construction shoes that meet industry standards. Their team, known for its expertise in workwear innovation, ensures that every product adheres to rigorous safety and durability benchmarks. With years of experience in the industry, they remain a trusted name for construction professionals seeking high-performance safety footwear.
One standout product from Yurinox Workwear is the Yurinox Half-Boots Unionspace. Priced at $64.99, these boots are designed with a combination of safety, comfort, and durability in mind. The soles feature a unique construction, with an inside layer of PU and an outside rubber layer that makes them slip-resistant, lightweight, and long-lasting. The black nubuck material is breathable, water-resistant, and lightweight, ensuring comfort even during extended wear. The special lining wicks away sweat, further enhancing comfort during long working hours.
Equipped with a composite safety toe, these boots are both non-metallic and lightweight, with an asymmetrical shape to protect against impact and compression hazards. The puncture-resistant Kevlar sole offers extra protection by blocking sharp objects, ensuring maximum safety on the job site. Additionally, the boots are oil, chemical, and slip-resistant, making them ideal for a wide range of challenging work environments.
When in doubt, consulting a podiatrist or safety specialist can help contractors select the most appropriate heavy-duty work shoes for the job.
