This week we’re marking the 13th year of Farm Safety Week. Beginning in 2014, it’s a fantastic annual campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of farming, including the physical and psychological impact on agricultural workers. Let’s have a closer look at the stats and the importance of ensuring you have the right protection, including wellingtons and other types of PPE.

Dangers

According to HSE stats, agriculture is among the most dangerous industries in the UK. It has one of the highest percentages of fatalities and serious injuries every year. Even worse, there are fears of under-reporting in the industry. So, the actual real number of accidents and injuries could be much higher.

Another issue is some farmers knowingly put themselves in harm’s way. This includes failing to wear suitable PPE or taking short-cuts. In many cases they do it to save time. Working in isolation, long hours, and dealing with the various pressures and stresses of farming can take a toll too.

Foot health

One thing farmers should not compromise on is protecting their feet. Doing so can lead to serious injuries and debilitating conditions. It’s vital to choose suitable boots and ensure they have the right features, including supportive soles. Quality wellingtons should provide protection for all kinds of agricultural settings.

A key thing to look at here is toe protection. Toes are vulnerable on farms, at risk of crushing from livestock, vehicles, heavy tools and equipment, and hidden obstacles. An injury can be debilitating, reducing mobility and leading to other issues such as damage to knees, hips, and the back.

It’s very important to ensure footwear will protect toes. Ideally, choose boots with steel or composite toe caps. They provide impact resistance, protecting against dropped tools, livestock, and other hazards.

It isn’t just a simple case of choosing wellingtons with toe caps though. You also need to ensure they are right for you. Consider the fit so you get protection but don’t have issues like rubbing. Plus, remember that reinforced toes on boots tend to be rigid so you can’t expect to break them in.

Equally importantly, make sure you consider the jobs you need to do and the conditions. If you do a lot of heavy agricultural work, steel toe caps can be a great investment for the level of protection they offer. However, remember they will make the boots heavier. Plus, they can suffer with heat and cold transfer, so you’ll need to think about the socks you are wearing.

Wellingtons are a key piece of PPE

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been part of the agricultural industry for decades. We’re a family business and love the people and communities we serve. If you need to order quality products, including fertiliser, animal feed, and different types of clothing and footwear, you can rely on us. So, get in touch today and see what we have to offer.