Safer steps for teams in hazardous warehouse environments

To address the customer’s safety concerns, Arthur began an evaluation process. The goal was to identify footwear that not only met the organization's high safety standards but also provided better comfort and support. 

Employee selection

Arthur coordinated a test with several warehouse employees to learn more about the challenges they faced. The initial consultation included interviews with the testers, one of whom struggled with heel spurs, which made standing and walking difficult. Another tester simply wanted a more comfortable safety shoe for transitioning between day-to-day work activities. 

Safety shoe requirements: 

• Custom fit for comfort and safety – This is vital for ensuring that shoes fit exactly, enhancing safety and comfort simultaneously. Instead of wearing shoes that are too large to accommodate wider feet—increasing the risk of tripping and other accidents—employees could choose shoes that matched their exact foot profile. 
• Adaptable and ergonomic design – The shoes should support different foot widths and weights, allowing for a safer and more productive work environment. Moreover, the option to select from multiple shoe widths prevents the need for frequent changes to different insoles, saving time and reducing the logistical burden. 
• Weight considerations – Improper shoe weight can exacerbate back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Therefore, shoes should be designed with cushioning that adapts to different weight classes, provides support, and reduces strain.  

Testing setup

Arthur and his team collaborated closely with the customer and used foot scanning technology to gather data on employee foot dimensions and arch type, so the chosen pair offered the best support for correcting posture and boosting comfort. This hands-on, personalized approach deepened the customer’s understanding of how the shoes and PPE overall affect daily operations and employee well-being.  

Based on the test employee's requirements, Arthur and the customer reviewed several options. 

The Right Safety Shoes from Jalas

“I recommended testing the Jalas brand because these shoes are lighter and more comfortable, which is beneficial for all-day wear. They also include insoles that offer corrective support for the foot and entire body column. They (the customer) had previously tested multiple shoe brands, but those did not provide the same support as Jalas shoes," Arthur adds. 

With all the above information carefully considered against different safety shoe models, Arthur collaborated with Jalas to choose from their wide selection of occupational footwear.  

These were the top 3 shoe models chosen for the test: 

Arthur coordinated the test phase so that several employees wore Jalas shoes throughout their 40-hour work week 

Testers were then provided with a scoring sheet based on work-place specific criteria (comfort, foot protection, and overall experience) 

Ratings received were overwhelmingly positive, particularly from those who struggled with preexisting heel-related issues 

These trials were instrumental in assessing the shoes' performance and comfort levels throughout the day 

The impact of introducing Jalas safety shoes for these workers was significant. Tester responses ranged from a marked improvement in comfort to reduced complaints of foot fatigue and heel pain. 

Summed up in a quote from one employee who addressed Arthur directly: ‘This is a great shoe, it's very comfortable, and it works for me.’ 

According to another employee who trialed the Jalas Zenit 1718, they had 'finally found a work shoe that helped with heel spurs [and can] walk a lot more smoothly'. 

Arthur shared his personalized approach to safety gear by emphasizing that "each employee's needs are distinct, and generic solutions often fall short. With Jalas shoes, we implemented foot scanning technology to ensure each shoe fitted perfectly to the individual's foot shape and size."  

This approach not only improved comfort but also compliance, since employees are more likely to wear properly fitted shoes consistently.  

His solution-oriented expertise in navigating the complexities of PPE regulations and his ability to translate specific issues into effective solutions were instrumental in this case study. And the employee feedback nicely illustrates the practical benefits of choosing PPE without a one-size-fits-all approach.  

Moreover, when guided by an expert like Arthur, the entire process surrounding PPE investment is simplified. With the right partner, what could traditionally be a long and drawn-out venture to find a tailor-made fix is now scalable and centralized. 

Looking ahead, the success of this project has paved the way for ERIKS to develop further safety-focused initiatives with the organization in other PPE categories.

The insights provided by Arthur and the positive feedback from the test employees show the value of investing in high-quality safety solutions: fewer injuries, enhanced comfort, and boosted productivity.

ERIKS is dedicated to continuously challenging and refining solutions so that we can better meet the changing needs of our partners. This case study is a great example of our safety-mindedness and specialism in action. By integrating the essentials of PPE in industrial environments, we focus on safety, which not only boosts operational efficiency and employee well-being but also optimizes the total cost of ownership (TCO). 

ResearchGate. (2022, July). Prevalence of foot problems associated with wearing safety footwear in factory employees.

Osha Europe. (Accessed 2024, May). Good OSH is good for business.