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813 Construction Worksite Safety
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Leg and Foot Protection

Construction workers who face possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects or from crushing or penetrating materials should wear protective footwear.

Construction workers who face possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects should wear protective footwear.

Hazards

Employees whose work involves exposure to hot substances or corrosive or poisonous materials must have protective gear to cover exposed body parts, including legs and feet.

If an employee's feet may be exposed to electrical hazards, non-conductive footwear should be worn. On the other hand, workplace exposure to static electricity may necessitate the use of conductive footwear.

Examples of situations in which an employee should wear foot and/or leg protection include:

  • when heavy objects such as barrels or tools might roll onto or fall on the employee's feet
  • working with sharp objects such as nails or spikes that could pierce the soles or uppers of ordinary shoes
  • exposure to molten metal that might splash on feet or legs
  • working on or around hot, wet or slippery surfaces
  • working when electrical hazards are present

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

10-14. If an employee's feet may be exposed to electrical hazards what does the employee need to wear?