Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager at HAIX 

Between 2016-17, 13,000 workers in Britain’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors suffered non-fatal injuries, with slips, trips and falls causing the most incidents. It is estimated that slip, trip and fall accidents cost Britain £800 million annually, with the direct cost to employers costing around £300 million. Do you understand the importance of footwear in protecting you from slipping when facing uneven floor surfaces, wet environments and poor lighting? 

Slippery substances such as oils, grease or rain, mud left on the rungs of a ladder and general debris are all risks you are familiar with. Falling victim to such accidents could increase the likelihood of you developing serious injuries or debilitating longer term health conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders. This will not just affect your health but also the productivity of the business in general, as you might be unable to work due to the pain. 

The right safety footwear offers protection against many industry hazards. With so many safety shoes on the market, we are inundated with options and it’s difficult to know which to choose and what safety features are important. 

Wearing footwear compliant to safety standards and with the right protective features is critical for preventing injuries. It is crucial to choose the right footwear for the right job – looking out for these features will set you up for the best protection: 

Waterproof

If you are suffering from wet feet, you may find it harder to concentrate as you are  more concerned about comfort, rather than the job in hand. This could lead to an accident.  To be labelled as waterproof, boots should adhere to the EN ISO standard: 20345/20347. This is the minimum European standard manufacturers should achieve. HAIX work only with the Gore-Tex laminate system which is highly breathable, as well as creating a durable barrier against outside water penetration which far exceeds the standards required.

Breathable, ventilation and insulation 

Quality materials are additional key footwear features to consider, particularly in the winter months. Breathable and insulating materials will keep feet comfortable and insulated, safe from freezing temperatures. HAIX forest boots utilise breathable GORE-TEX® inner lining provide maximum climate comfort and total protection against moisture in any weather conditions.

Chainsaw protection 

Forestry professionals must ensure their boots  offer chainsaw protection. The EN ISO 17249:2013 standard relates to safety footwear with resistance to chainsaw cutting.  Category levels range depending on the level of protection required for the chainsaw speeds: Class 1 (20 m/s), Class 2 (24 m/s), Class 3 (28 m/s). 

Investing in quality footwear is priority. For more information on HAIX’s range of forestry boots visit, https://www.haix.co.uk or to find your nearest dealer contact WorkWare  http://www.workware.co.uk/