Tarmac ‘super boot’ helps prevent foot injuries

FOOTBALLERS aside, the workers most likely to suffer a metatarsal injury in the UK are construction workers, with HSE figures recording a total of 479 foot fractures in 2004/5. In response to this safety issue, Tarmac are to provide their workers with new hi-tech ‘super boots’ to help protect them from foot injuries.

Ken Bradley, Tarmac’s sustainable development manager, commented: ‘The traditional option has been a heavyweight and uncomfortable safety boot. The super boot is a lightweight alternative that is both comfortable and protective of the metatarsal.’

Paul Fleetham, Tarmac’s national contracting director, added: ‘We couldn’t find a suitable boot that met our requirements and were delighted to work with Bacou in the development of the ‘super boot’. Rather than phase the boots in, we will be replacing more than 1,000 pairs of boots for our employees in one go. We’ve also given details of the super boot to other companies to ensure other road workers benefit from Tarmac’s research and development in this area.’

The boots, which have taken nine months to develop, are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300°C, feature mid-sole protection to prevent nails going through and come with a quick-release system, similar to a ski boot. A non-steel toecap provides the same protection as steel but offers greater comfort.

Stuart Turnbull, national sales manager for footwear at PPE specialists Bacou-Dalloz, said: ‘Companies such as Tarmac are pushing the boundaries in terms of developing safety equipment. They had specific needs which we’ve taken on board to produce a boot that is easy to put on, take off, comfortable to work in and, above all, safe.’