Safety Thursday: Warehouse Footwear

Last Updated on September 22, 2022 by

It is important that you have the correct footwear while on the job for maximum safety and comfort. For obvious reason you want a comfortable shoe since you may very well be spending most of your shift on your feet. Uncomfortable shoe are going to be very hard to work with and as a result, will reduce your productivity. Make sure that the footwear that you have will provide comfort through hours of standing.

You also want a shoe that is safe and will provide maximum protection for walking over different surface conditions. The shoe should be of high quality and anti-static and anti-slip. Anti-slip being the most important feature, as the warehouse floors are often very dirty and low quality shoes may have a hard time providing you with the traction that you require. Slipping, especially while carrying a heavy object, can be harmful to yourself and others. You’ll also want a shoe that can be tied tight to avoid any issues of your shoe falling off your foot.

OSHA 1910.136(a)

General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.

Minimal Requirement shoes:

Tennis shoes or sneakers will provide the most based protection that is allow in the warehouse. These shoes can be tight fitting and cover the entire foot. The materials that make up the shoe will protect your foot from small objects such as pens and pencells, however anything large or heavier have the protentional of harming you. Sneakers also have a rubber sole that provide some anti-slip protection. This protection is often minimized if there is any dirt on the bottom of the shoe. Any shoe that is not equivalent to sneaker protection, is not allow in the warehouse. Wearing any shoe with less protection then a sneaker will result in you being sent home to change. Safety is important and that extents to footwear.

Preferred Shoes:

Safety shoes are a better option for the warehouse environment. Safety shoes are Required for all full time employees. Safety shoes are designed for work environments such as the warehouse and will provide a greater level of protection against the elements. They will have a Steel , Alloy or composite toe to protect the foot from falling objects, often as heavy as a 50lb weight falling form 18″.  Slippers nor sneakers can provide this level of protection.

Safety shoes come in two form factors; boot style and sneaker style. Either style will provide a high level of anti-static and anti-slip protection. Different shoes will have a focus on different features. Some shoe maybe able to handle extreme heat; 300+ degrees, while other may have a focus on being water resistant. Some shoes have extra support for next level comfort. Review the features of each shoe before purchasing one, to ensure it will provide the level of protection that you are looking for in a shoe. Remember all safety shoes are anti-slip providing more traction then a standard sneaker.

Safety shoes often running larger then sneakers, so it is best to try the shoes on before purchasing.

Temporary Employees

Tennis shoes or sneakers: Acceptable

Safety Shoes: Preferred, but not required

Full Time Employees:

Safety shoes: Required

Shoes that will get you sent Home

Any shoe that is loose fitting or does not cover your toes, is not allowed in the warehouse. Below are some example of shoes that should not be worn in the warehouse. If you arrive with these shoes on; you’ll be sent home to change. No exceptions.