What does Met Guard mean on boots?

Metatarsal Guard
Steel Blue’s Met-Guard, or Metatarsal Guard, is specially designed to protect the metatarsal area of the foot that extends from the toes. Superior impact protection.

What does met mean in work boots?

A Wide Selection of Metatarsal Guard Boots Every met guard boot carries the “MET” symbol to indicate compliance with ASTM standards for metatarsal safety.

Is Met guard the same as metatarsal?

For the metatarsal region, common practice has been taking this same rigid approach, but by applying the protective “box,” or met guard, that arches over the foot from side to side and is affixed to the boot as an accessory.

What is the difference between steel toe boots and metatarsal?

In addition, metatarsals are not large bones and break easily. Metatarsals are not protected by steel toe shoes. Steel toe shoes protect the toes (and puncture from underneath). The image below shows the difference between steel toes and metatarsal guard protection.

What do metatarsal guards protect against?

Metatarsal guards are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protect the top of the foot from compression injuries. They consist of guards that fit over the instep of the foot protecting it from heavy weights.

Are metatarsal guards required by OSHA?

OSHA allows employers to use metatarsal guards or footwear with built-in metatarsal protection when metatarsal protection is needed in the workplace. If the employer requires employees to wear metatarsal shoes or boots, the employer is required to pay for the footwear.

Does my employer have to provide steel-toe boots?

An employer is required to provide any equipment that reduces the risk of the given environment. For example, an environment with sharp objects and glass on the floor would require steel toe boots. Or if you are working in a dusty environment you will need to be provided with a disposable dust mask.

Are composite toe and steel toe the same?

Composite toe boots are the better choice for outdoor weather since they are less affected by ambient temperature than steel toe boots. While they are up to safety standards, composite toe boots do not withstand the same level of impact as a steel toe boot.

Does my boss have to pay for my work boots?

If an employer provides protective equipment, such as footwear, then it must be provided free of charge and there must be instructions on how to use it safely. A lot of problems are caused by inadequate footwear. Work in any environment where there is a risk of slipping requires slip-resistant shoes.

Does my employer have to pay for my work boots?

If the employer is required to provide safety boots in the workplace, then the employer must pay for them and is not permitted to pass the cost onto employees. However, there is more to the issue of working feet and footwear than whether or not your employer pays for PPE such as safety boots.

Can a company make you wear steel-toe boots?

One of the biggest reasons many industries require employees to wear steel-toed boots is because it is a requirement set by OSHA. Safety Equipment FAQ states OSHA requires protective footwear in all workplaces where foot injuries are a danger.