Safetytoes

Hot, cold and shocking news in the safety overshoe market.

2012-01-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Hot, cold and shocking news in the safety overshoemarket.

January 17, 2012
Toronto, Canada

Safetytoes International Inc., of Toronto, Canada announces results of latest ASTM and NFPA tests on the Slipp-R brand of safety overshoes. The tests were conducted by the INTERTEK Group PLC of New York, USA and "prove" additional safety features unique to the Slipp-R rubber overshoe. The company will use the test results to launch its new slogan, "Safetytoes That Work".

The Slipp-R rubber steel toecap safety overshoe has been tested in two unique categories never before seen in a safety overshoe. Tested against an NFPA 1971-07 Standard for protective equipment used by Fire Fighters the Slipp-R was found to withstand a temperature of 302 degrees Fahrenheit. The test results indicate that after 30 seconds of exposure to 302 degree heat the temperature of the samples had risen to only 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

“This opens up more work environments where the Slipp-R should be considered and as an alternative to other expensive safety footwear.” Patrick Smyth, CEO Safetytoes International Inc. “There are many situations where it is either hot or cold underfoot and the Slipp-R has excellent insulation qualities. Think of the guys who work on road surfacing and the ones who work in cold storage. The Slipp-R can be a big bonus for them.”

Tested against an ASTM 2412-05 Standard for Electric Shock Resistance, and in accordance with ASTM D1776, the Slipp-R had results that were well below the maximum allowed for current leakage. Mr. Smyth said, “The Slipp-R was subjected to 14,000 volts of electricity and the leakage was less than one milliamp. Workers wearing the Slipp-R brand of safety overshoe are well protected from exposure to electric shock. No other safety overshoe has this level of protection.”

The Made-in-Canada Slipp-R has achieved superior status since it was first released in October, 2006. As well as these now proven unique features of Thermal and Electric Shock Resistance, the Slipp-R safety overshoe has a full range of other attributes that make it supremely attractive to safety footwear buyers. The Slipp-R provides toe protection at double the minimums required in any of the World Standards as well as being slip, acid, oil and animal fat resistant. It has proven abrasion and cut resistance not seen in any other product of its type and, not being made of PVC, is environmentally friendly.

Safetytoes International Inc.

Toronto, Canada

www.safetytoes.com
1 800 441 5481

Stunning results for Slipp-R Thermal Resistance.

2012-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Slipp-R rubber safety overshoe has achieved another milestone.

Intertek laboratories of New York completed a conductive heat resistance test in December and the very positive results are shown below.

No other safetytoe overshoe has the additional safety features of the Slipp-R. It is a truly unique product.

‘Gypt in a land of wonder.

2011-11-22T11:17:00.001-08:00

Small boys ridingArabian dancing horses, competing with small boys riding motorcycles. Grown mendriving cars with no headlights at breakneck speed in the same poorly litstreet. There's barely enough room for pedestrians and even they are veryerratic, to say the least. In the midst of it all, a wedding cavalcade ofmini-vans escorted by a traveling disco sound system. The police are verynoticeable by their absence. The situation is unsafe and it all happens sofrequently. It is dangerous, annoying and it is deafening. This is Luxor, one of the majortourist destinations on earth. It's also the 2011 festival of Eid. But, this isalso Egyptafter the authorities lost control. It isn't a pleasant experience but it'swhat independent travellers have to endure if Egyptology is on their minds.And, after visiting the ruins of one of the world's early civilizations, it hasbecome a wonderful mystery as to why it's all so un-inviting.

The chaos, cacophony and crap on the streets appear as sure signs nothing good liesin the near future for the people who speak so proudly of their recent"revolution". It's as if this is their only period of"freedom" since the pyramids were built 5,000 years ago. And, they'regoing nuts with it. For example, it would be very difficult for foreigners todrive a car in Egypt.Car rental companies have vacated the country. I noticed a lot of missingheadlights. I noticed very few traffic lights. The most were near thestretch of highway that connects the airport to downtown Cairo. In this city of 18 million it can beanywhere from 30 minutes to never when estimating how long it might take to dothat trip. I've never experienced traffic congestion such as I lived withduring my 5 days in Cairo.

I travelled by roadfrom Abu Simbel to Aswan to Luxor. I'm sure that road operations were much smoother when thepolice were on duty. The linear urban strip all along the Nile lends itself to modern traffic control techniquesbut instead it can be pure pandemonium at times, often times. There's evidenceof a police presence but I got the sense it was only interested in controllingthe locals. Now, where the main Cairo road runsparallel with the Nile, traffic calming has sprungup in the form of crude bumps on the road. Using bricks, debris and concrete,speed bumps have been constructed at every school, market or intersection. Manyhave crumbled under the constant strain turning them into speed bumps to be avoided,rendering them more like gates through which both north and south boundvehicles must pass single file. In the absence of more sophisticatedmethods, these crude barriers to speed are taking a huge toll on travel time

The police are intheir barracks, stationed only immediately outside. Government is frozen. Sotoo are the wages many had come to rely on. Before the revolution mostEgyptians had a daily government placement for at least 4 hours of paid labour. That'sall gone now. For many it wasn't a tough job but it was where everybodygot their share of the net worth of the Country, their institutionalisedbaksheesh, as it were. As far as I know, after a very short visit, while Egypt is not as resource-rich as Libya or Saudi,it does have significant wealth opportunities. The generosity of the waters of theNile as it flows through the Egyptian desertis wonderful to see. Farm produce, hydro electricity, some oil, gas andsignificant infrastructure investments are all examples of the Country's grossdomestic value. However, there's a saying in the arab world, "as poor asan Egyptian", and that is so very true.

The balance of anEgyptian's livelihood is supposed to come from income earnedas licensed independent operators within their own communities. Theywork as taxi, horse and camel drivers Many are hotel, restaurant and perfumeshop salespeople. The souks too are large employers. They’re all volumebased tourist dependant occupations.

These days, it'svery evident nobody's buying. I was told, tourism didn't slow down after theJanuary 25, 2011 protests and police action - it came to a thundering halt.What's on offer in the shops, souks and museums has all the appearance of lastyear's goods. Income from that source has dwindled significantly.

Nowshopkeepers are stuck with cheap imported junk, a lot fewercustomers and an unsustainable approach to merchandising and selling. It'sobvious too that much of their inventory was not manufactured locally. Unlikeother countries in the region where I've visited, Moroccoand Turkey,there appeared to be no local craft industry. Yet, everywhere there wasdelicately manufactured chattels and trinkets.

Honestly, I saw nothing beingmade that a tourist would be interested in buying. When challenged, they say,"No, it is made in Egypt".But, the empty "Made in China"packing cartons scattered all around the souks tells the true story.

Another thing, forthe prices locals are paying for these goods the cost must be extremelylow. It's interesting to ponder the value of the Egyptian market to China. Manyhome essential goods are imported from there. Based on my use of some of themduring my trip, there is a lot of room for product quality improvement. If theyare making a profit in such a poor country imagine how fantastically profitableit must be selling to the USAand European markets.

Most Egyptians in the tourism sector are living off a 5,000year old story. It's a hugely valuable asset, a well established brand butpoorly nourished.

Culturally, this seems to be fine with the locals. Theyare acutely aware of the essentials of capitalism but seem to have littleunderstanding of marketing or long term planning. It's as if the total revenuefrom tourism is divvied up among too many recipients and there's never muchleft over for repairs or improvements. Based on my own experiences, there’s thesame neglect in public spaces, boat landings, train and bus stations from nearthe border with Sudan allthe way north via Aswan and Luxoren route to Cairo.Egyptians don't seem to be making any strides to modernize, or even maintain,and glaringly unaware of the threats to their feature assets.

It's unfortunate too that while tourism revenues are down,the rest of the country must be in better shape. Egypt still produces wealth fromthe country's other assets. For example, Egyptis a major force in the construction industry throughout the Middle East, producing many of the materials used in it, like cement andother raw materials. In spite of this, the museums, hotels, taxis, camels,horses and donkeys all look down on their heel. That's a poor business decisionthat will have an increasingly negative impact for tourism.

These people arescrewed. It looks to me like the police and military are just waiting them out.The majority of Egyptians are poorly educated and so culturally retarded to beany match for the 1% that hold the levers to coercive power. The oppressorswill undoubtedly reappear, and maybe soon when temperatures rise again to theirmost enervating. Thecountry needs leadership but it's more likely to get another richly-anointedChief Corruption Officer. Egypthas been controlled by force since antiquity and the current military machinewon't tolerate change that endangers its preferred status. The oppressed can'thold out forever either.

A weird combination ofa lowering of the cost of many goods, in the face of a decline in revenues, hasconspired to deaden the shock waves of the 2011 Egyptian Spring. It looks likea good deal for the controlling segments in the society but it's a lousy onefor most. China enjoys goodrelations with Egyptfor reasons solely to do with natural resources. I'd say the Chinese got thegas but 99% of Egyptians got the pains.

Amazingly, I noticeda number of references to Che Guevara, the kind of leader Egypt needs. But, I saw no evidencethat his image is portrayed as anything but another piece of eye candy for thetourists. When I quizzed those retailers about their product offering theyappeared to have either no clue who Che Guevara was and even managed somehow tolink him with Bob Marley!

This was the dirtiest, downtrodden country I've ever visited.
The underlying combinationof religion and paganism could well be designed to maintain the populationclose to the lowest common denominator. Along with the chilling effects offiscal withdrawal and a hands-off police force, it simply looks like anotherslight-of-hand piece of politics. The kind of political machination measured sparinglyenough to mollify the great unwashed until such times as their oppressorsre-emerge from their holes to get behind another modern day leader. One whowill no doubt take a "rightful" place among a long line of despots.What this country needs is a severe injection of socialism but I fear the"Gods" will resist and the people appear inept at channeling theirown collective power.

I went to see the only remaining Wonder of the World, the Pyramidsand the Sphinx. They're located in a huge open air museum that is also anactive archeological dig. At the edge of Cairo,in a suburb that threatens the very sands these monuments sit upon, Giza public transit takesyou right to the foot of the Sphinx. It's an easy walk from there to the ticketoffice but you must endure another onslaught from the world’s most annoying touristtouts.

Where you from? (Canada, ah Canada Dry, never die)
What's yourname? (Lovely name, same as my father)
You want scarf? (Madein Egypt,look like Arafat)

It drives you nuts and there’s no relief - even ifyou fight back.

Where you from? (Afghanistan, oh yea?)
What's yourname? (Osama bin Laden)
You happy he's dead? (Don't even go there!)

Once through thegauntlet there's a lot more to endure. There’s garbage strewn everywhere.Horse, camel, donkey and dog crap desiccating in full sun and under foot.

Youcan’t stop for a look around without some tout approaching and going throughthe same old, same old routines. Of course, there are two Egyptians. Any whowere not annoying touts came across as friendly enough. But, the touts aresurely leaving an indelible image on the minds of visitors. I came across a fewwho I rewarded with a tip of Torontoproportion but in every case my generosity was scoffed at in a most demeaningmanner! These were not nice people at all.

Everywhere you look there are solutions that would make the situation better,but Egyptians aren't interested. A simple thing like a garbage bin is resistedbecause, "who wants a garbage bin on their corner?" That the garbageis tossed on, or swept to, that corner anyway doesn't seem to resonate. Theseare a culturally stubborn people. That so much of their well-being depends ontourism concerns them very little either. My guess is only the most die-hardEgyptologists would ever want to return to this place.

On the night before I left Cairo I walked by Tahrir Square. Friday is the holy day and the day ofprotest. That Friday was at the tail end of the Eid holiday. The streets wereabsolutely crowded with little room for cars or people to move. Drivers honkedincessantly, out of holiday joy and frustration. The horn in Egypt is both atoy and an imaginary weapon for disposing of obstacles.

In one of theroundabouts off Tahrir, three or four young men had taken up position on thestatue in the centre. It was obvious they were spouting political protest butonly a small crowd was paying any attention. If CNN had been filming it couldeasily have looked like a growing protest.

Thankfully though, that didn’thappen until a week after I left. Having been ‘gypt enough, I was happy tohave seen what I wanted but also quite happy to get the hell out of there.

Safetytoes on the Nile.

2011-11-17T05:25:00.001-08:00

On November 1st, 2011, I was in Egypt on business. My company, Safetytoes International Inc., sells the Slipp-R rubber safety overshoe to end-users all over the world and I often go on missionary work where interest in our products is on the uptake. Trips like these have a fair amount of personal discovery too and after a couple of days in noisy, hectic Cairo I flew as far south as I could go to begin such a journey.

It's a four hour trek from Abu Simbel to Aswan that skirts the Western Desert. That being the case, it's best done in the cool of the near morning. Temperatures in this part of the world are in the 80/90 degree range, in the winter, and in the 105/110 degree category, in summer. We had stayed in Abu Simbel village for the previous two nights and decided to make the journey to Aswan as early as possible.

The preferred vehicle is the 6am big bus that carries 60 passengers but, on the night before, we were alarmed to learn that it was already sold out. We had come up against another one of those big floating Muslim holidays. The kind that jump onto calendars from nowhere and give independent travellers a very hard time. Try as she did, my wife had no luck flattering the crusty old driver or his assistant. The bus was full and there were no more tickets to be sold. The later bus was a 1pm start, a long hot drive and a late arrival in Aswan. It was not on our wish list.

Public sanitary conditions in Egypt are crude. Public spaces are trashed and floors everywhere are horrible. We faced the prospect of a dangerous, dreadfully uncomfortable and unsanitary trip ahead of us. With so many locals planning a well earned sojourn from work, our chances of getting on the 1pm bus were, at best, dubious. Big buses in Egypt carry loads of spare parts, and their own mechanic, so our worries seemed well founded. We had little choice and at 10pm we went to bed comforted only by an offer of "seats" on the floor of the 6am big bus.

In Abu Simbel we stayed in a small 5 room hotel constructed in the Nubian style. It was very comfortable indeed, given that we were situated on the perimeter of a great desert. At 5 am we headed to the village transit assembly point. The large open space public square in heart of the village was already filling up with like-minded travellers.

Aswan is the most easily accessed modern urban area. It's the Southern Egypt destination of choice for a well earned vacation. For many of the resident farm and livestock workers it may be the only holiday they get. We were only about 24 kms north of the border with Sudan and surprised to learn that Khartoum is a much shorter direct drive route to comfort and joy than Aswan. However, no travel is permitted there down the western side of the Nile, even for locals wishing to spend time with family or friends. It's bandit and kidnap territory where close quarters protection is recommended. The only approved route is to first trek the 300 kms north to Aswan, cross the Nile and head south again another 300 kms to the Sudan border and another 350 kms to Khartoom. For locals in the Abu Simbel area to visit family just inside the Sudan border it could mean a trip of over 600 kms!

Not that we had any desire to visit Khartoum, however, it was sad to learn of the inconvenience and unfairness of all this coming and going. The territory from Aswan to Khartoom is the Region of Nubia, a thin band of ancient culture clustered along both sides of the Nile. While never a very large population, Nubia is considered by many to be the birthplace of Egypt. It was a Nubian Pharaoh that first conquered the south and successfully unified the country. The Nubian culture is fantastically rich and the Nubian temperament endearing.

Unfortunately for Nubians, none of this mattered much when Egypt decided to dam the Nile at Aswan shortly after the 1952 revolution. This threatened some stunning temples, tombs and other important archeological sites, two of which are in Abu Simbel.

Following a world-wide appeal, hugely important archaeological ruins were relocated in a monumental international effort from 1956 to 1962. The rising water drowned the ancient Nubian society with considerably less sympathy. Approximately 120,000 Nubians were simply forced to move to new housing with no compensation for loss of incomes or income generating assets.

The area was famous for its date palm trees many of which were very old. The date palm requires years of growth before yielding significant amounts of fruit. Today, they now lie under millions of gallons of water at the bottom of Lake Nasser. The northern Egyptian Government, domiciled in Cairo thousands of kms away, left much to be desired in terms of equity and fairness. Since all habitation was located in a very narrow strip on either side of the river, most of Nubia now lies under water. The current complexity of travel has made family and old extended family contact a real hardship. While the Aswan dams have provided Egypt with an abundance of wealth-producing opportunities, they have all but decimated a much respected ancient society.

The big bus had not yet arrived and we noticed that there was a constant mustering of small 14-seater mini buses. We learned that these head out as soon as they filled and one looked like it would be leaving soon. So, we negotiated a price and hopped on the one we hoped would be first to depart. Leaving so early meant we would arrive in Aswan by 8.30 am and in plenty of time to secure a hotel. It's funny how unexpected consequences can bring so much joy! We escaped sitting on the floor of the big bus. With all the pressure from the unexpected Muslim holiday we had started to worry about availability of reasonable accommodations. Now, arriving at our destination so early and the added bonus of an actual seat, we were feeling a whole lot better about the new day.

Buses and taxis travel in convoy here. Being just 15 miles north of the Sudan border we suspected this was for good reason. The route is protected by military check points and we maintained a low profile throughout the trip. Our travel book had indicated foreigners were not permitted to travel this way. Only travel on the big bus, first class train or by air is allowed for tourists. Since most Egyptian buses travel with a mechanic we figured breakdowns were frequent so we reckoned travelling in convoy was for good reason. For the independent or guided traveller these reasons give a much appreciated sense of security.

We left Abu Simbel with only 11 on board our reasonably appointed mini-bus. At each group of people along the road our driver stopped for a brief few words. It became obvious that he was looking for some other passengers. Then phone calls started to come. Apparently, the other three passengers were further ahead, and late. This didn't please the driver. Like the rest of our group he was Nubian who are a very pleasant people but seemingly also quick to anger. Finally, at the mouth of a road emerging from the desert, there appeared two men and two children. They clambered on board and we entered the desert proper.

The road is black top, smooth, straight and well maintained. Another rather nice bonus. The sun peeped up at around 6 am, not that anybody but us was noticing. Our fellow passengers were quiet or slumbering. After the sun had ascended it all became quite boring. Until that is, the racing started. Hammering along at average speeds of 120 kms an hour a game of overtaking dulled the boredom for the drivers. With the road being so sure-footed it didn't bother me and I soon recognized the bus against which we were in competition. There was only desert on either side and overtaking was the only fun to be had. Occasional and annoying Arabic music and constant interruptions from cell phone calls ensured there was no chance of sleeping either.

We had only one crude toilet stop before we disembarked at a spot along the Aswan Cornice. It looked like good hotel room hunting grounds. We were spot on! Within an hour we had already crossed the Nile twice for the first time and secured a decent hotel room for the following two nights.

Major article in the major US safety magazine.

2011-07-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

The 'Slipp-R' awareness grows.

OH&S don't fool around. They know a great product when they see one.

How to Prepare a PPE Assessment

2011-05-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

It is the employer's responsibility to assess workplace hazards. These assessments should be used to determine if any personal protective equipment is required, 'on the job.' Here's a good way of going about a risk assessment.

Go 'walk-about' in all the workplace settings under your responsibility. You should be looking for anything that might constitute a hazard. Situations that could result in;

• Impact from objects falling or dropped
• Compression from rolling stock
• Penetration from anything underfoot or at height
• Chemical spill or leakage
• Heat exposure, fiery and long term
• Dust inhaled or airborne that could ignite

Look for the source of any risks you might encounter. Here are some;

• Rolling stock such as forklifts or dock levelers
• Objects that could fall or which are allowed to fall or drop
• Machinery and tools that might unexpectedly interfere with workers or move other objects.
• Excessive heat sources that could injure from touch or cause adverse effects on persons.
• Stores of chemical that could result in exposure
• Dust
• Work resulting in excessive friction or exposure to light and
• Sharp objects and off-cuts underfoot or close at hand
• Electrical installations or components

After your walk-about commit your findings to a database. Organise your data according to the areas or work procedures that you observed. Remember, others will benefit from reading this so keep it simple and accurate. All this will help in the selection and justification for the PPE you select and it will help keep your initial analysis up to date.

Your database should now be your best tool for evaluating the overall risk including how likely this could result in personal injury. Of course every risk should be considered but keep in mind the possibility that more than one hazard could exist in any given work setting.

Once you've compiled your data and reviewed the results you still need to recommend the appropriate PPE. This should be a common-sense and technical approach. You'll have to know what PPE is available to you. There will be differing levels of protection depending on brands and some might be eliminated completely at this stage. You'll have to match the workplace risk with the right piece of PPE.

Ignore cost until you have identified the item of PPE that affords the best safety features but keep in mind there are always cost-effective alternatives to expensive PPE. Be especially careful about the useful life of any article of PPE. All too often, PPE is rendered useless by excessive wear on cheaper materials. Explore also where the products are made and how dedicated is the manufacturer to safety, as opposed to selling and marketing.

Rubber safety overshoes – putting your best foot forward.

2011-05-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

There is nothing new under the sun but when it comes to safety overshoes there have been some exciting developments of late. Rubber overshoes with an enclosed steel toecap are now a far cry from the crude gluing together of two parts as seen in the earliest versions. Using cheap labor, plastic and an insensitive approach to health and environment, the cheapest of all versions are still around, but time is passing them by. Today, enclosed-toe safety overshoes provide toe protection as required in all of the World's Standards for safety footwear. They have significant differences over their older cousins, and all because somebody took the trouble to make a good idea better, and safer.

Enclosed-toe rubber safety overshoes have a steel toecap positioned much as it is in a safety shoe or boot. In fact, this type of overshoe looks very much like a regular safety shoe. It is a style that has shed the rather comical look of overshoes with exposed, brightly colored steel toecaps. When those early models first appeared they were certainly an improvement over the "yellow clackers", but mostly in the area of convenience. While they did reduce the noise levels often heard during visitor plant tours, not many liked wearing big blobs of colour on their feet. Used as a visitor shoe, the appearance of the exposed-toe overshoes was not an issue since employers have a lesser burden for safety for visitors than for employees. However, when it comes to safety compliance on the job, employees found the comical look, and more, to complain about. Employee acceptance of PPE is totally dependent on comfort and look factors. If employees dislike wearing a particular piece they are more likely to do without it. Statistics show that the number of toe injuries where PPE was not being used is significant. Those unfortunate situations could well have been the result of an unwillingness to appear “strange” in front of other workers. Imagine a fashion-conscious office worker making their occasional trek through a safety zone to collect paperwork.

Rubber enclosed-toe overshoes are making other noteworthy contributions to safety cultures in many work environments. Unlike plastic PVC, an overshoe made of rubber will not stiffen or crack, even in cold temperatures. The material not only provides the kind of slip resistance long associated with rubber, it gives better wear, tear and cut-growth resistance. These qualities lead to ownership and longevity since the new enclosed-toe overshoe is not a “throw-away”. These qualities have taken the earlier lowly, 'ugly ducking' of safety footwear into many work environments. From the freezer to the furnace room, where toe protection is called for, enclosed toe overshoes offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive safety footwear.

Business entities such as in Manufacturing, Transportation and Storage, Retail Trade and Property Business Services are environments where a significant number of toe injuries happen. It's no surprise that laborers, trades people, drivers, machine operators and nurses are some of the most frequently injured. Even when we know that safety shoes can exacerbate a problem, and when risk assessments mandate that toe protection is all that is required, all too often it is only a safety shoe that is considered. Here then is a win-win compromise that results in compliance, added safety benefits and an improvement in foot comfort. Employees can now slip on steel toe protection over their recommended footwear and look very stylish to boot.

The ongoing plastic exposed-toe wars.

2011-05-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Looks like there's anger again among the plastic exposed-toe resellers. It seems yet another company has ripped-off the "original" plastic safetytoe. (Of course that's a bit like saying another company has ripped-off the "original" fishing pole.) The reason for the anger is loss of profits. When you make a cheap product and somebody else brings the same cheap product to market, the "original" rip-off artists suffer a drop in sales.

The Slipp-R rubber enclosed steel toe safety overshoe is unique. It is not copied because it is not a cheap product and easy to copy. You would have to be interested more on safety than profit. The plastic exposed-toe products are not in demand so much as resellers are making too much profit from pushing an inferior product that has a very short useful life. It is only the short useful life cycle that ensures reorders.

With each passing month the Slipp-R grows in awareness. More and more companies are starting to realise the real cost of buying a cheap plastic safety overshoe. For example, what's the point of a price guarantee if the product fails after only 3 months? What comfort is there in paying the lowest price going for a cheap product? It still fits poorly, tears and wears-down easily and heaven help you if you are wearing flat-soled outer shoes. That excess bit for the heel gets squashed underfoot with every step. Where's the "safety" in that?

The Slipp-R rubber enclosed steel toe safety overshoe is still the only product of its kind that can honestly say it is "Made in Canada". Some resellers only wish they could say that, honestly. If they are saying it, then can you trust what else they say? If they aren't saying it, what do they have to be ashamed of?

Here at the original safetytoes.com we service those "in-the-know". Big, smart companies like Coca Cola, Unilever, Novapharm, Grace Industries, PetSmart and small, smart companies that know the difference between cheap plastic and durable rubber.

Improved Safety and Reduced Pain for Diabetics With the Slipp-r Safetytoe Overshoe .

2011-04-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

People who suffer with diabetes have well documented complaints about their footwear. Often there is discomfort and pain associated with the disease and steel toecaps in safety work wear are almost impossible to bear. In fact, there are stories about that tell of amputations of toes due to the effects of unsuitable safety footwear. This of course is catastrophic for both employee and employer. For example, the employee has to deal with loss of income and the employer a slew of statutory requirements. Given that our societies are trending to obesity as populations age, the matter of adequate toe protection is of growing concern.

At Safetytoes International Inc., we have been aware of this for some time. Since 1999 when we first sold safetytoe overshoes with steel toecaps we have encountered many diabetes sufferers and heard their tales of woe. In part, this prompted our desire to make our ‘Slipp-R’ safetytoe overshoe a household item as well as an industrial product. Diabetes sufferers have a compelling need for toe protection, so steel toecaps are inviting. However, the steel toecap can be cold-conductive, restrict the flow of blood and give rise to cramp. Not the kind of conditions that facilitate a long, safe and satisfying day at work or home.

The ‘Slipp-R’ is a rubber-based steel toecap safetytoe overshoe that is quite unique in what is often referred to as the visitors’ overshoe market. The rubber material is sturdy and robust, designed to resist wear, tear and nicks in most industrial settings. This allows the ‘Slipp-R’ to deal with cuts and abrasion that can cut short the useful life of a safetytoe overshoe. At around 6mm thick, the slip-resistant overshoe provides for a snug fit and the unique all-flat sole can accommodate most heel types, including the sneaker-type outer shoes favoured by those who have diabetes. The ‘Slipp-R’ will not crack, stiffen or harden, even in cold conditions. Its unique design has a rear pull-on tab that combines with a wider shank allowing for greater ease of ‘pull-on’ and ‘pull-off’.

The ‘Slipp-R’ safetytoe overshoe has been embraced by many who have diabetes. The steel toecap is completely enclosed in rubber and has a very stylish appearance. Over any black or brown outer shoe the slip-on overshoe is virtually invisible. This is a major benefit in the visitors’ overshoe market where other toe protection products appear comical and not conducive to wearing, even when toe protection is called for.

The ‘Slipp-R’ is lightweight due to the chemical composition of the rubber material making wearing these innovative products tireless. This is not always the case with safety boots or shoes that can have significant weight. ‘Slipp-R’s are transferable between workers or family members and they are in use where contamination brought in by outer shoes is an issue. Not only will the ‘Slipp-R’ provide toe protection, slip, animal fat, oil and acid resistance, it encases the outer shoe and traps gunk until the overshoe is removed.

Visitor safety shoes - what are they?

2011-04-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Put yourself in visitor shoes. Would you, like most people, hope they were clean and free from germs and bacteria? Even when wearing your own socks, there is a real chance that germs can infiltrate your body. Wearing shoes previously worn by strangers conjures up feelings of human hair in food, and often it doesn’t matter that the hair is one’s own!

The standard clause in workplace safety procedures includes reference to OSHA regulations. Risk assessments must be made and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the proper Personal Protective Equipment is worn by employees. If the risk assessment determines the need for safety shoes or boots to be worn at all times then even occasional trips through the designated safety zones require full protective safety footwear. The regulations require this of office personnel who do not frequent the production floor on a regular basis. Regulations also require where employers provide safety footwear for occasional use that it must be fully cleaned and sanitized inside and out before it is given to the next wearer. Many companies provide safety footwear for occasional use but how can one be sure that the footwear has been sanitized?

The visitor shoes market has been benefiting from advances in the safetytoe overshoe sector. Manufacturers of safetytoe overshoes have been educating employers and helping them reduce their overall safety costs. Visitors are not employees but they are deserving of the same minimum standard of safety when entering industrial environments. The production floor may well have a requirement for employees to wear full safety shoes or boots. Perhaps employees are subjected to sharp objects underfoot as well as the threat of falling objects. This would require them to wear toe protected and steel soled safety shoes or boots. However, where visitors are chaperoned and guided along safe passageways there is no need to impose full safety footwear upon them or incur the cost and hassle of it.

Rubber safetytoe overshoes provide the same level of toe protection as required by OSHA for workers in industrial settings. The same levels of impact and compression are provided for in the steel toecaps used in safetytoe overshoes. OSHA does not approve PPE but it does impose minimum standards where protective equipment is required. These minimum standards must be ASTM / ANSI “or equivalent”. So much so that a steel toecap with a strap or elastic retainer was the norm before safetytoe overshoes first came on the market. Today these are frowned upon, due to the loose straps and buckles themselves becoming a safety hazard. Often referred to as “those yellow clackers”, for varying reasons visitors dislike wearing them and plant managers cringe at the noise they make on factory floors. Items of PPE that make the wearer feel uncomfortable are less likely to be worn consistently. Likewise, an item of PPE that gives rise to derisory comment is less likely to be embraced.

Rubber safetytoe overshoes are now available with the steel toecaps completely encased in the rubber material. They are stylish and comfortable. Design enhancements have much improved their appearance and safety features. The rubber material itself affords greater slip resistance. There are no straps or buckles to contend with and in some cases the overshoe can be put on and taken off with only one hand. Rubber safetytoe overshoes can be transferred from person to person with no hygiene issues and outer shoes completely enclosed in a rubber overshoe are less likely to contaminate food production and clean room settings. These innovative and versatile items of PPE are a lot less expensive than full safety footwear and the rubber material will not harden, stiffen or crack, even in cold temperatures.

All in all, safetytoe overshoes, for all the right reasons, have in effect become visitor shoes

Ontario steel toe requirements.

2011-03-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

For sure, health and safety issues are in the best interest of all, but really, is it necessary to be told? For example, take the recent accident that caused the death of actress Natasha Richardson. Does anybody really believe that the absence of a CSA Standard for ski helmets contributed to the terrible outcome from not wearing one?

"I don't," the CEO of Safetytoes International Inc. declared, "but, I honestly think the 'CSA myth' unfortunately works against common sense thinking. Just because the CSA doesn't have a Standard doesn't mean we should not take appropriate precautions."

Likewise, workers shouldn't need to wait with baited-breath to be told how to approach each and every work situation.

It is true that healthy working environments benefit everyone. Occupational, Health and Safety Acts and Regulations in Ontario have existed for nearly 40 years, so workplace safety should be second nature by now. But it's not. Employees continue to complain and experts continue to point at reports that indicate improvements. Legislation and regulations have saved lives and thousands of lost days of work. However, the question remains, why are workers so dismissive of safety matters?

"Too often, injuries to toes are the result of not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)," says Patrick Smyth, who brought the Slipp-R safetytoe overshoe to the safety market in 2006. "We also know that if employees dislike a particular piece of PPE, they won't wear it." The Slipp-R safetytoe overshoe is a rubber galosh with a steel toe cap. They are slip-on, slip-off, alternatives to steel toe safety shoes.

Smyth has been dealing with what he calls the "CSA Myth" in Ontario. "Standards make a great contribution in raising awareness for safety. But, we weren't able to get the CSA in Ontario to even look at the Slipp-R. They say that it doesn't conform to their notion of what a piece of protective footwear should look like. The CSA brand is so powerful many employers in Ontario think all safety footwear must have CSA Approval. This is entirely wrong of course, and it has effectively hindered industry, government and consumers access to a very cost-effective piece of safety equipment."

The CSA Standard for protective footwear has requirements that appear to have little relevance for slip-on steel toe rubber overshoes. For example, to qualify for CSA certification safety footwear must have a 25 mm length of material extending beyond the edge of the steel toe cap. Smyth does not see this as having any significance when it comes to protecting toes. "What does it matter if there is one inch of leather or rubber upper retained for testing, when it is the steel toe cap that provides the protection. Another requirement for certification is that the sole of footwear must be higher at the heel. This too is totally redundant when the object of the exercise is to protect the front of the foot."

Safetytoes International, a Toronto based company, contends that safety should be a powerful unifying force for good but myths, slavish compliance and limiting beliefs are getting in the way. "The myth that steel toe caps could sever toes in the event of a direct hit has only recently been debunked. Now we're dealing with non-tariff protectionist trade measures that helps a few but denies the vast majority." Smyth thinks the "CSA myth" could be a wedge against the unifying force.

In Ontario the protective footwear regulations do not mandate CSA Approved PPE. Every employer is required to undertake a risk assessment and provide "foot protection that is appropriate in the circumstances." Risk assessments that indicate only toe protection is required allow for the use of rubber steel toe overshoes in Ontario.

Smyth says, "Our Slipp-R actually exceeds the performance standards for Grade 1 and 2 toe protection in the CSA Standard for safety footwear. Our CE Certification test results at SATRA in Europe indicate excellent slip resistance which, surprisingly, is something the CSA has little to say about. We sell throughout the world but the "CSA myth" has us stumped in Ontario, where the Slipp-R is made. Go figure!"

There are on average nearly 3,000 toe injuries every year in Canada. The minimum Impact and Compression requirements for steel toe caps hasn't changed for decades which gives credence to the notion adhered to by Safetytoes International that injuries to toes are happening because workers are not protecting them.

The Slipp-R rubber safetytoe overshoe has been tested to be hard-wearing, slip resistant and is transferable with no hygiene issues. Safetytoes International knows that there are many work environments where only occasional toe protection is required. Most toe injuries occur at close quarters and from only chest height. The Slipp-R can provide the appropriate protection at a fraction of the cost of a steel toe cap safety shoe. The Slipp-R is made from a thick, robust rubber material that completely encases the steel toe cap.

Safetytoes International continues to raise awareness for the Slipp-R which they say could result in improved employee comfort and use of PPE, significant cost-savings and increased safety in many Ontario workplaces.

Alan in Belfast: My Blackberry's not working ...

2011-02-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

Alan in Belfast: My Blackberry's not working ...

How To Write A Visitors Safety Policy

2010-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just as employers must provide for their workers, companies cannot unilaterally disclaim any liability for visitor safety. Apart from any governance applicable under OSHA regulations, neglecting visitors' safety could see you embroiled in a mess of trouble under common law or tort law. A sensible approach then would be to adopt policies designed to safeguard visitors and ensure their enforcement and effectiveness - just as you would for your own workers. Be aware too that simply posting notices stating that visitors "visit at their own risk" won't cut it in court. Disclaiming in advance and requiring acceptance as a condition of entry simply carries no weight. It would be wise then to craft a safety policy for visitors along the same lines as employers do for workplaces.

1- Visitors must be notified of any hazards they might encounter.

2- They must be made aware of all protocols and procedures in the event of an emergency.

3- All visitors must sign-in and sign-out of your facility.

4- Similar to all workplaces, must be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and on its use and reason for it.

5- Care must be taken to ensure proper fit and use of the PPE.

6- Visitors must be oriented properly and advised on the basics of behaviour during the visit.

When developing a visitors safety policy it is important to factor-in the type of industry you are in and any special features of your facility. It is important also to particular attention to the suitability of any PPE provided. For example, if the hazard assessment only calls for 'toe protection' the protective footwear cannot be ill-fitting or so awkward to wear that it constitutes a hazard in itself!

While it may never be possible to avoid liability for visitors' safety entirely it may be possible to do so if you can prove that your safety policies were not adhered to. Just as with workers' safety you are only required to behave responsibly as any reasonable person should. If your visitors safety policies are communicated properly and enforced consistently you should be able to avoid injuries and nasty lawsuits.

Truckers leading with their 'toes

2010-01-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Toe injury is an all too often occurrence in the trucking business. There are loads of hazards in and around trucks, loading docks and warehouses: heavy boxes, shifting load pallets, moving equipment, tail-gates.

The pace of work is fast too. Truckers are expected to unload quickly and move on to their next appointment. Dock levelers don't always operate smoothly and a swift kick is often required. Loads can shift in transit, resulting in heavy goods falling out unexpectedly when cargo doors are opened. Forklifts and hand trucks are in constant motion. All of this activity poses a threat to the driver’s toes as they wait for their trucks to be unloaded.

Typically, a truck driver has very little to do with the actual unloading but, as described above, the truck driver’s toes are at risk. Also typically, the unloading area is governed by statutory bodies such as OSHA in the USA. Statutory bodies impose minimum standards for workplaces with hazards, and any infraction is punished under the letter of the law.

Loading docks and cross-docks are work environments where risk assessments would indicate a potential for toe injury. According to the law, employers must provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suitable to protect against hazards identified by a risk assessment for every work environment under their control.

Even though the driver is on the dock for a short time toe protection would be required. Any truck driver will tell you that safety shoes or boots are not their favourite piece of attire. Especially long distance drivers, who are just not motivated to wear anything less than totally comfortable footwear when driving. Carrying a spare pair of safety shoes or boots in the cab isn't too inviting for most drivers either. There's only so much room in a truck cab.

The Solution

Fortunately, there has emerged a solution for anybody seeking occasional toe protection.

Steel toe overshoes are a rule-compliant alternative to safety shoes. They use the same steel toecaps as in safety footwear. This means a rubber safety toe will protect toes against impact and compression up to 200 joules which is 100 more than the minimum. One of the advantages of rubber safety toe overshoes is that they provide toe protection when necessary. A truck driver then can wear comfortable shoes all the way to the dock and then slip on toe protection before jumping out of the cab.

'Slipp-R' Safety Toes overshoes have benefits in excess of the toe protection they provide.

Being made of rubber they are sturdy, long lasting and offer good slip resistance. They are easy to slip on and off, tight fitting, waterproof and stylish to boot! 'Slipp-R' safety toe overshoes are very inexpensive compared to safety shoes, and they trap the dirt carried on outer shoes, making visits clean and safe.

Sharing Footwear - Urban Myth Or Unhealthy Practice?

2009-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Evidence exists that in the energy production industry employees and visitors alike are expected to step into old boots.

This is the sole verification of what I had suspected was happening. Previously I had only anecdotal accounts of the practice. Sort of like an urban myth. Apparently, when accessing a 'safety zone' every entrant is expected to pick through a selection of old safety boots. Usually there is a close enough fit available but if not, loose-fitting boots apparently are not a big concern. Oddly enough, perhaps because time spent in the safety zone is expected to be short and free of hazards, a loose-fitting boot is not considered a risk.

That being the case, I fail to understand the merits of such a culture. If the risks are minimal, why insist on a full safety boot? To make matters worse, the boots are loaded with features not required at all in the circumstances. Protection from electrical shock for example is only likely to be of benefit to those in close contact with live wires. It seems to me this is expensive over-kill for the occasional visit to a safety zone.

Furthermore, I wonder where the inventory of old boots comes from? Are they cast-offs from employees who have abandoned them or are they purchased for the purpose of lending out? Regardless, the whole idea is fraught with unpleasant images conjured up by the sharing of used footwear. It seems, in this one organisation anyway, there is no discomfort when visitors are invited to pick their temporary old boot. I suspect that the shock of being refused admission is greater than the uninviting prospect of stepping into somebody's old shoes.

There are a number of hygiene and podiatry issues associated with this policy.

The law requires that risk of injury be considered when implementing any safety program. Depending on the degree of risk it may be prudent to provide adequate PPE and to insist that any recommendation of protective equipment be mandatory. It's the safest way out given our litigious society. However, just how civilised or enlightened is it to ask workers and visitors to share footwear? The thought of it brings the risk of foot diseases, warts and verrucae to my mind. From an employee perspective such a policy could easily be considered unreasonable. The issue of sanitization is enough to put me off the whole idea.

According to Robert Shaw, M.Sc D.Pod M MCh.S, podiatrist to Diageo’s Kilmarnock whisky bottling and distribution plants in

Scotland

, there are some important considerations to be concerned about sharing footwear, industrial or otherwise. He agrees hygiene wise the main concern would be cross infection of pathogens. However, there may be other serious consequences. Since old boots have been pre-formed by a previous user, pressure points can arise. These pressure points are most likely to occur behind toe caps. Crease marks or flexion marks differ from person to person and can lead to friction on the upper of the foot. The much respected West of Scotland chiropodist advises those suffering from diabetes, or other systematic disorders, to be very careful. Poorly fitting boots can lead to ulceration and diabetics are prone to foot infections in general. Comfort and fit are of vital importance to a diabetic.

In this particular instance the employer is obviously rich. Not every employer can afford to provide employees with fully-loaded safety boots at no cost to them. To the employer's credit, these 'Cadillacs' of safety footwear are provided with a lot of personal choice. Fit is not usually a problem. The only company requirement is that the full range of safety features are embodied in the footwear. Unfortunately, admirable as that appears, this unusually rich cost finds its way into the cost of the product supplied to the consumer and the boot cast-offs end up as enforceable safety PPE. In this case, it would be the cost of electricity. This means that the extravagant cost finds its way into the price of all manufactures since electricity is a component cost of all goods sold. Makes you wonder if an 'old safety boots' policy is a good idea after all?

I think its time for employers to re-evaluate safety policies that insist on full safety boots where the risk assessment indicates only toe protection is necessary. Such a practice would be less wasteful economically and I happen to think it would be a whole lot more hospitable and healthy.

The 'Slipp-R' safety overshoe is made of sturdy rubber material with a steel toe cap providing similar or greater toe protection than the minimum required by international safety standards bodies. A 'Slipp-R' safety overshoe stretches tightly over outer shoes. It is easy to pull on and is transferable between users with no hygiene or health risks. 'Slipp-R' safety overshoes cost a lot less than a safety boot. It is PVC-Free, the protective toe cap is covered and coloured discs on the inside sole indicate the seven sizes. The 'Slipp-R' is acid, oil and animal fat resistant with anti-slip qualities.

Safetytoes International Inc of Toronto Takes the PVC-Free Pledge

2009-01-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

The NEC convention is the largest of its kind on the North American continent. Patrick Smyth, CEO, said "We needed to be there if we are ever to raise awareness for steel toe overshoes. Our 'Slipp-R' was the only example of these versatile and cost-effective items of safety apparel." The 'Slipp-R', a closed toe safety overshoe which was launched in October 2006 was rewarded with a two page feature article in the show edition of the "Occupational, Health and Safety" magazine. The editor of the magazine, Jerry Laws, had never seen an article on the specific topic of steel toe overshoes and he felt an overview would be of great service to his readership.

"Naturally, we were delighted to receive such prominence in such a prestigious publication and at such an influential convention," Smyth admitted, "but when we discovered that PVC-Free products were being embraced by PPE manufacturers and end-users we were even more thrilled." The 'Slipp-R' is PVC-Free. "We use a vulcanized rubber material for our 'Slipp-R', which is made in Canada."

Many of the world's major corporations have adopted PVC-Free policies. Market leaders such as Apple, Ford, GM, J&J, Microsoft, Nestle, P&G, Sony and Volvo have taken a stand against the use of PVC. Industries and governments are making a global commitment to environmentally preferred purchasing programs. "Companies who have taken the PVC-Free pledge will no doubt be looking closely at the 'Slipp-R'", the CEO of Safetytoes International said upon his return from Chicago. "These products have been slow to gain acceptance due to a lack of marketing efforts and subsequent lack of awareness for their suitability in any situation where toe protection is necessary." The'Slipp-R' meets or exceeds all the minimum toe protection standards required by OSHA, CSA and CE.

Safetytoes International Inc., has devoted many resources to promote the use of its 'Slipp-R'. "Our safetytoes blog has been responsible for a much improved situation with respect those occasions in the industrial world when a product like the 'Slipp-R' can provide as much toe protection as a full safety shoe but at a much lower cost. The 'Slipp-R' is a robust piece of PPE that can withstand harsh environments. The 'Slipp-R' has many quality features not found in other steel toe overshoes and it's great to see the PVC-Free aspect being recognized as well."

The 'Slipp-R' is distributed throughout the world with master distributors in Europe and North America.