Risk prevention and personal protective equipment (PPE) for carpenters: the role of safety footwear
Carpentry is a trade that involves a number of occupational hazards that it is vital to prevent in order to ensure worker safety.
From the use of heavy machinery and cutting tools to the handling of materials that can cause injury, carpenters must have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Within this PPE, safety footwear plays a crucial role in protecting carpenters from injuries to their feet, one of the most vulnerable areas of the body in carpentry.
Occupational hazards in carpentry
The work of a carpenter involves exposure to various hazards that require preventive measures. The following are some of the most common risks:
Cuts and amputations: Cutting tools, such as power saws, drills and chisels, are essential in carpentry, but they can also cause serious cuts or amputations if they are not used with proper safety measures.
Falling objects: Handling large pieces of wood, boards and heavy tools presents a risk of falling objects on the feet, which can lead to serious injuries if proper PPE is not used.
Tripping and falling hazards: Carpentry work environments are often full of obstacles, such as cables, materials and tools scattered on the floor, increasing the risk of falls.
Noise: Prolonged use of heavy machinery generates a considerable level of noise that can affect hearing without adequate hearing protection.
Dust and airborne particles: When cutting and sanding wood, dust particles are generated that can affect the lungs and eyes if masks and goggles are not worn.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) in woodworking
The use of PPE is essential to reduce the above risks and ensure a safe working environment. Carpenters must have a range of equipment designed to protect different parts of the body. The most important PPE in carpentry includes:
Hand protection: The use of cut-resistant gloves is essential to protect hands from sharp tools and rough materials.
Eye protection: Safety goggles protect the eyes from dust particles, chips and sparks generated by the use of power tools.
Hearing protection: Hearing protectors, such as earplugs or earphones, are necessary to protect hearing in noisy environments.
Respiratory masks: To prevent inhalation of dust and chemicals, masks with appropriate filters are essential in carpentry.
Safety footwear: One of the most important and often underestimated PPE is safety footwear.
Safety footwear: a key protection for carpenters
Safety footwear is essential in any work environment where there is a risk of falling objects, slipping or injury from handling heavy materials. In the case of carpenters, safety footwear plays a crucial role in the prevention of accidents related to:
Falling objects: In carpentry, the risk of falling pieces of wood, tools or heavy materials on the feet is high. The use of safety footwear with toe caps, if possible ultra-lightweight, provides effective protection against impacts, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Cuts and punctures: Carpenters are constantly surrounded by nails, screws, wood chips and other sharp particles that can puncture the soles of ordinary footwear. Safety boots with puncture-resistant soles are designed to protect feet from these hazards.
Slips and falls: Carpentry work environments can be prone to accumulation of dust, oil or water, which increases the risk of slips. Safety footwear with slip-resistant soles ensures greater stability and traction on slippery surfaces, minimising the risk of falls.
Comfort and ergonomics: Long hours on your feet and intense physical work can lead to foot and joint fatigue. Professional footwear for carpenters is designed not only to protect, but also to provide comfort, with ergonomic soles that distribute weight evenly and minimise impact on joints.
Reference: 341845
Sizes: 35-48
Normative: EN ISO 20345:2022 S7S+SR+CI+FO+LG+SC
- Water-resistant split leather and cordura-like textile boots.
- Gore-Tex lining.
- Vincap non-metallic toe cap.
- Textile puncture resistant insole.
- SRC slip resistant bi-density polyurethane sole.
- Meets Ladder Grip requirement (LG).
Standards and characteristics of safety footwear for carpenters
ESafety footwear must comply with the European standard EN ISO 20345, which specifies the minimum protection requirements for footwear intended for use in hazardous work environments. Some of the key features that safety footwear for carpenters must have include:
- Protective toe cap: The toe cap must withstand a minimum impact of 200 joules and a compression of at least 15 kN.
- Anti-puncture sole: This protection is essential to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the sole.
- Slip resistance: Footwear must comply with anti-slip standards, classified as SRA, SRB or SRC, according to tests carried out on different surfaces.
- Comfort: Safety boots must provide comfort and good breathability, especially in hot environments.
The use of personal protective equipment, especially safety footwear, is essential to reduce the risks inherent in the work of a carpenter. Ensuring foot safety with footwear that offers protection against impacts, cuts, slips and punctures is a priority for workers in the industry, and contributes to a safer and more efficient working environment. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about ensuring that every carpenter is equipped with the right tools to minimise risks and improve their daily performance.