If you want to kit your employees out with safety gumboots, then take some time to find boots that suit your needs. Not all gumboots have the same features. If the boots you buy aren't fit for purpose in your working environment, then you waste money on products that won't protect people's feet.
Look for the following features before you place an order.
1. Foot, ankle and lower leg protection
Gumboots are naturally softer and more flexible in certain parts compared to regular safety boots or shoes. However, they still need to give good all-round protection to the people who wear them.
In some scenarios, basic reinforced toecaps, waterproofing and foot/lower limb coverage are the most important factors. You might simply need to keep outdoor workers' feet and lower legs dry. You might want to give them lower limb coverage to protect them from insect bites, plant stings, scratches and cuts.
However, sometimes, you need to buy gumboots with more protection. For example, you might need the following features:
Stronger toecap reinforcement
While most safety gumboots come with reinforced toecaps, some boots give you extra protection here. For example, some also have steel caps in the toe area. This extra reinforcement is vital if your workers work in environments where something heavy might fall on their feet. Steel caps take the force of a blow and protect the feet from damage more effectively.
Substance resistance
The jobs your workers do and the environments they work in can affect the gumboots they wear. If your workers will come into contact with chemicals or abrasive materials, then you need to ensure that you use a resilient gumboot material with the right levels of resistance. PVC and nitrile materials often work well in these situations.
If you work in a specialist industry, such as food production, then you might need to supply gumboots that have higher resistance levels to substances such as ammonia and acids. Food-grade gumboots are usually white so they are easily identifiable.
2. Effective soles
If your workers need to wear gumboots, then they'll work in wet, slippery or muddy conditions. The quality of a boot's sole is important here.
For example, if a sole doesn't have a good enough grip, then people won't necessarily be able to keep their footing. They could slip and fall if their boots don't have the traction they need. They might not be able to walk naturally and with confidence if they worry about slipping.
Puncture-resistant soles are also a good option. They protect the feet from puncture wounds and cuts—they also last longer. If a sole gets damaged, then the boot will ultimately become unwearable. For example, it might start to let in water or break away from the boot.
While a deep and rugged tread gives a good grip, look for boots with self-clearing soles. If too much mud gets stuck in treads, then people will find it hard to walk in the boots. They will feel heavy and will impede natural movement.
3. Comfort
Gumboots aren't always comfortable to wear. If boots aren't comfortable, then people might not wear them. Even if they do, they might not find it easy to do their jobs if the boots hurt their feet or don't give the right support. Insoles are an easy way to make boots more comfortable.
Also, look for boots that combine rigidity and flexibility. A good gumboot shouldn't feel too stiff or too loose. It should be supportive with a reinforced ankle and a supple upper casing that allows the leg to move naturally. If a boot restricts movement, then someone could have an accident if they can't move their feet fast enough.
To get more advice, contact Ace Workwear. We can talk you through our safety gumboot ranges and help you choose the right option for your workforce and workplace.