A worker is installing rebar on a construction site. This task involves walking over uneven surfaces with potential for punctures from exposed rebar ends and impact from dropped tools. Which combination of foot protection features would be most appropriate for this worker?
- ASafety-toe boots with slip-resistant soles
- BCanvas shoes with ankle support and puncture-resistant soles
- CSafety-toe boots with puncture-resistant soles and metatarsal guards
- DSafety-toe boots with metatarsal guards and electric hazard (EH) protection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Safety-toe boots with puncture-resistant soles and metatarsal guards
The scenario describes three key hazards: impact from dropped tools (requiring safety-toe and metatarsal guards), punctures from rebar ends (requiring puncture-resistant soles), and uneven surfaces (requiring good general footwear like boots). Canvas shoes are inadequate. EH protection is not specified as a primary hazard. Therefore, safety-toe boots with both puncture resistance and metatarsal guards directly address all identified primary hazards.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Slip-resistant soles are good for uneven surfaces but don't address puncture or top-of-foot impact.
- B. Canvas shoes offer insufficient protection for construction, lacking safety toes and adequate overall durability for impact hazards.
- D. EH protection is not indicated as a primary hazard in this scenario.
Comprehensive Foot Protection
Effective foot protection often requires a combination of features to address multiple hazards present in complex construction environments, such as impact, compression, punctures, and top-of-foot injuries.
- Safety toes protect against toe impact and compression.
- Puncture-resistant soles protect against sharp objects from below.
- Metatarsal guards protect the top of the foot from impact.
- Assessing all potential foot hazards is crucial for selecting appropriate footwear.
Memory trick: Cover All Angles for Foot Safety.