August is Women’s Month in South Africa and we’d like to highlight the importance of safety footwear for women in the workplace. South African women now make up a greater proportion of the workforce in industries such as mining, construction and manufacturing. This necessitates a need for safety gear and footwear that fits women.
Typical unisex safety gear does not serve most women, leaving them feeling uncomfortable or inadequately protected. When it comes to footwear, smaller boots are needed as an ill-fitting safety boot may hinder productivity and lead to injuries in the workplace. Business leaders need to consider female employees and their specific needs when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE).
South Africa prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive country. It is true that hiring practices have come a long way in traditionally male-dominated industries, but the provision of safety gear still needs to be considered. A unisex “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer acceptable nor adequate for real safety. Businesses need to source women-specific gear.
Typical unisex safety boots are basically a men’s last in a smaller size. What is needed is a last that has been developed specifically for women’s feet, which are often smaller and narrower than men’s feet. A tight-fitting boot is essential for full protection and comfort in industries where employees work on their feet for most of their shifts.
Footwear that does not fit properly can cause problems in the short- and long-term. Studies have shown that ill-fitting safety boots can lead to pain and severe discomfort every day, which impacts productivity and job satisfaction. In the long run, this can also lead to foot disorders, ankle strain as well as stress on the knees and hips.
Footwear cannot fulfil its purpose if it does not fit properly. If feet are loose inside boots, they can oscillate from side to side which can lead to rolled ankles and back pain as the body fights for stability. Women’s footwear needs to have the right shape and size in order to be effective and prevent work-related injuries or long-term physiological problems.
Companies need to get feedback from their female employees in order to see whether their provisioned safety gear and footwear is adequate. This will allow the company to make the necessary changes to their PPE dress code and ensure that the entire workforce is comfortable and protected. For more information or to get a quote on our footwear components, please contact us today.
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Rory Anderson Agencies is an industry-leading supplier of leather and textiles for the footwear and safety sectors. We fulfil bulk orders for genuine leather, rubber, warp knit and synthetic materials. We also specialise in individual bulk components for footwear, such as custom soles, inserts and uppers.
We have a vast network of contacts and suppliers in Asia and are able to deliver raw materials directly to the customer. We operate in South Africa but are able to meet clients’ needs throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
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