Plantar fasciitis is a fancy name for a real pain in the foot! It's when the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, called the plantar fascia, gets irritated and inflamed. It's like having a thorn in your foot that just won't go away.
So why does this annoying condition happen? Well, there are a few theories out there. Some say it's because of too much pressure on your feet. Imagine if you were standing all day, every day, on a hard surface like concrete. That would put a lot of stress on your feet, right? So, that could be a reason why plantar fasciitis shows up.
Another theory is that it's all about the way you move. If you have a "unique" way of walking or running, like rolling your feet too much or not enough, it can alter the alignment of the plantar fascia. It's like a delicate balancing act, and if you don't get it right, your feet can pay the price.
Now, let's talk about how plantar fasciitis affects your daily life. It's not just a pain in the foot; it can really mess with your ability to work or even walk. Imagine trying to stand on your feet all day at work when every step feels like a tiny dagger in your heel.
And if you're an active person who loves to hit the hiking trails or go for a run, plantar fasciitis can put a major damper on your exercise routine. It's like your feet are holding you hostage; No more running for you!
But fear not, because there is hope! Wearing the right shoes can make a world of difference. You need something that's comfortable, supportive, and can relieve the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. That's where Safety Brands comes in.
Safety Brands is the go-to place for finding those magical shoes that will give your feet the love they deserve. They've got a whole range of options, but let me suggest two styles that could be perfect for you: style 50 and style 91. These shoes are like little pillows for your feet, with cushioning and arch support that can help alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Not only that, but Safety Brands shoes are designed to keep your feet safe from workplace hazards. They're slip-resistant, so you won't be doing any embarrassing dance moves on a slick floor. Plus, they're built to withstand the toughest conditions, so you can focus on your job without worrying about your feet.
But don't just take our word for it. We've received countless 4 and 5-star reviews from satisfied customers who swear by their shoes. These folks have experienced the relief and comfort first hand, and they're singing Safety Brands' praises. Shucks!
So, if you're tired of hobbling around in pain or dreading every step you take, give Safety Brands shoes a try. With our decade of experience in providing top-notch footwear, you can trust we know what we're doing. You'll be back on your feet, pain-free and ready to conquer the world in no time!
When it comes to working, safety should always be a top priority. And one crucial aspect of workplace safety is protecting your feet. That's where safety shoes come into play. In this article, we'll talk about why safety shoes are so important in the workplace, and we'll take a closer look at Safety Brands shoes as the perfect example of reliable safety footwear. So, let's dive in and discover why you should invest in the right pair of shoes to keep your feet protected on the job.
Why Are Safety Shoes Important?
1. Shielding Your Toes: In general, safety shoes are designed with steel toe caps. These caps act like armour for your toes, safeguarding them from heavy objects that might accidentally fall or be dropped. Think of them as a shield for your feet, reducing the risk of serious injuries, such as crushed or broken toes.
2. Defending Against Puncture Hazards: Have you ever stepped on a sharp object? It's not only painful but can also lead to serious injuries. Safety Brands shoes are equipped with a Kevlar anti-puncture midsole. This means that they have an extra layer of protection under the sole to prevent sharp objects, like nails or shards, from piercing through and harming your feet.
3. Preventing Slips and Falls: Slipping and falling at work can lead to all sorts of injuries, from sprains and strains to broken bones. That's why our shoes are designed with slip-resistant outsoles. These special outsoles have tread patterns that provide better grip on slippery surfaces, reducing the chances of slipping and falling. This feature is particularly important in workplaces where there may be spills, wet floors, or uneven surfaces.
Certifications for Your Peace of Mind
Now, you might be wondering how to trust that the safety shoes you choose are truly up to the task. Well, Safety Brands has got you covered. All their shoes are certified to meet UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) and CE (Conformité Européene) standards. These certifications mean that the shoes have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet specific safety and quality requirements. So, you can rest easy knowing that Safety Brands shoes have been put through their paces and meet the necessary standards to keep your feet safe.
Safety Brands: Your Reliable Choice
When it comes to purchasing safety shoes, it's essential to choose a brand you can trust. That's where Safety Brands shines. Not only do we offer top-notch safety features like steel toe caps, Kevlar anti-puncture midsoles, and slip-resistant outsoles, but we are also a family-owned, UK-based business with over a decade of experience in providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
The fact that we are a family-owned business means that we genuinely care about the well-being of our customers. We have built a solid reputation over the years, and our extensive experience in the field of PPE speaks volumes about our expertise and commitment to safety.
To Sum Up...
Safety shoes are not just an accessory but a crucial investment in your workplace safety. By wearing the right pair of safety shoes you can protect your feet from accidents and potential hazards at work. Their steel toe caps, Kevlar anti-puncture midsoles, and slip-resistant outsoles provide the necessary protection for your toes, shield against puncture hazards, and reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Moreover, Safety Brands goes the extra mile by ensuring that our shoes meet the UKCA and CE standards, giving you added peace of mind. As a family-owned, UK-based business with a wealth of experience in the PPE industry, Safety Brands is a name you can trust.
When you’re looking to purchase safety footwear, there are several factors which need to be considered. The first thing we usually think about is looks. This is certainly important, after all we want to be satisfied in what we wear. For some people that’s it, job done. “The manufacturers description said they were safety shoes, I’m happy with the appearance and they are comfortable, let’s crack on.” But there's a little more to it than that.
So here’s a decoded guide to safety footwear codes and what you need to look out for when purchasing safety footwear.
We’ll be decoding and discussing:
PPE Regulations in the UK and What You Need to Know
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (as incorporated into UK law) sets out the essential health and safety requirements that must be met before PPE products can be placed on the Great Britain (GB) market. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure only safe and effective products are placed on the GB market by requiring manufacturers to show how their products meet the essential requirements. It’s important for PPE to conform to this particular standard if it’s to successfully protect you from as many hazards as possible.
Here at Safety Brands, our PPE Footwear is UKCA and CE Certified, meeting the stringent testing requirements of ISO 20345:2011.
What Does EN ISO 20345 Mean?
It’s a standard that applies across the UK and Europe. Set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it outlines the minimum and optional requirements for safety footwear. This includes slip resistance and features to protect against thermal and mechanical hazards.
The Basic Safety Codes and What They Mean
The two EN ISO standards cover different protection classes. You may have seen terms like “SB (Safety Basic)” or “SRA” which is where the shoes are tested on ceramic tile wet with a dilute soap solution. This merely refers to the extent of a hazard to which the shoe should protect against.
So, let’s decode.
As the name suggests, this is the basic safety standard for footwear. SB rated shoes offer non-slip soles and steel toe caps to protect against 200-joule impact. They may offer additional safety features which will be indicated via other symbols.
SB is the basic safety level required, but for footwear that promotes additional safety, look out for these codes…
The Slip-Resistant Sole Codes and What They Mean
Slip-resistant shoes are essential for many workplaces. They have deeper tread grooves than standard shoes and so can grip the floor more securely to prevent slips, trips and falls. Slip resistance is classified via the following codes which indicate where the shoes have been tested and thus, their level of slip resistance.
In summary, when you’re picking safety footwear, it needs to meet the basic EN ISO 20345 standards. But if you want to be extra safe at work, the optional features are always helpful.
Assess where you’re working: This is critical, you’re not going to need S4 waterproof wellies if most of your day is spent in an office with occasional visits to the shop floor where the environment is not impacted by any sort of liquids. On the flip side it would not be prudent to get just the basic SB if you’re a contractor going to different types of building sites daily where hazards can range from rusty old nails to slippery underfoot conditions (SB (P)). You must take the time to consider all the hazards you come across on a daily basis and purchase accordingly.
Fit and comfort should be high on the priority list; Take the time to make sure that your new boots/trainers fit well and feel comfortable. Many of you will be wearing these for 7-10 hours straight if not longer! Make sure that they fit well, there’s no point buying a size 8 wide fit if you have narrow feet, maybe try a 7 or look for non-wide boot. Take care when buying online that your supplier has a good returns policy available.
Aftercare: Look after your boots, let them dry at room temp if they become wet. Do not dry on a radiator as this can damage the finish on the uppers. Make sure you lace up and unlace between uses and carry a spare pair of laces. If your boots get muddy make sure you clean them with a suitable brush. No pair of boots is going to last forever but with care and attention you can get the most out of yours.
A higher price doesn’t necessarily equal greater safety. The price of safety boots can vary. Don’t automatically think that an inflated price gives you a better level of protection. This is not always the case for a higher priced safety boot, you may be paying extra for a brand name or a swanky design. You can find a pair of perfectly sound SB (P) boots with anti-slip SRA in the £35 - £45 range with the caveat that the supplier is providing tested and certified PPE. Do some research and find what's best for you.
So, now you're an expert it's time to get the perfect shoe. You know where to look...
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Most recently that help has taken the form of a sizeable donation of 500 pairs of shoes to a local school for their Community Summer Fair, which is being held to raise funds for both the school and Citizens UK, an organisation formed to help ordinary people address the challenges they face every day.
Ark Tindal Academy is a small primary school that aims to teach its students respect and resilience alongside the usual academic subjects, so that they leave in Year 6 better prepared for the next stage of life. They have partnered with Citizens UK for 2022 and Community Organiser Tom says:
“I’m excited to have joined the Ark Tindal team this year. I am working with staff and parents to build a team who can listen to the needs of the local community and take action to win the changes they want to see.”
The Fair takes place on 12th July and funds raised will also contribute towards improved school facilities such as breakfast and after-school clubs, new equipment and additional reading books. Be sure to check back for pictures of the fun filled day and an update on the event, which will undoubtedly be a resounding success! We wish them the very best of luck.
Click here for more information on the organisations mentioned:
]]>Unfortunately for us, we have been a little too successful at keeping the British workforce's feet from harm, and a few other companies have started to copy what we do and essentially rip-off our designs. This makes us mad for many reasons, not the least of which is that you're just not getting the same quality, safety or compliance with these dupes as you do with the genuine article.
So, with this in mind we wanted to give you a few pointers on how to be sure you are getting a genuine shoe and how to tell the difference.
1. Buy your shoes from www.safetybrands.co.uk
It sounds crazy, but if you bought your shoes from anywhere other than Safety Brands they are not our shoes! The simple fact is we just don't make shoes for anyone else. Always purchase direct from our web site or our official Safety Brands Facebook page to guarantee you are getting the right thing.
One of our customers purchased what he thought were safety shoes from a fake web site and received what you see above. We don't even know where to start with this one! This is NOT something we would sell. Clearly no steel toe caps, terrible quality and falling apart before they're even worn. Don't be a victim of these scams - always buy from www.safetybrands.co.uk!
2. Check the packaging
All of our packaging displays the Safety Brands name and our web site address. There may be some fake boxes out there but the majority are plain and unbranded.
3. Check the box label
Note the Genuine Performance marking and certification compliance sticker. This sticker shows the model number (check this is what you ordered), size and the compliance information. Only genuine Safety Brands are UKCA certified.
4. Check the box liner and swing tag
All of our products come wrapped in a Safety Brands marked liner and have a swing tag attached. The swing tag has our logo, web site address and any conformity information clearly marked.
5. Certificate of Conformity
Some of our products (but not all) will come with a Certificate of Conformity showing the testing that has been completed for it. If your purchase is UKCA compliant but does not come with a certificate then you may request one by sending us an email.
Lastly, if you are in any doubt about the authenticity of your purchase please contact us. Whilst fake products are annoying they are also unsafe and can be dangerous in the workplace. We take our responsibilities very seriously and will continue to prosecute sellers of fake products. Please help us to do this by letting us know if you have any concerns about authenticity. We really appreciate your assistance in this matter.
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