This page contains; How to Protect the Footwear You Already Own, What Does Denier Mean?, How Employees Can Help Prevent Slips and Falls at Work, How Organizations Can Minimize Missed Time in Winter, and Why You Should Consider an Overshoe Instead of New Winter Boots

Well folks, Winter is once again in full swing so you know what that means…slips, trips, and falls are on the rise; snow, slush, ice, and sand where it shouldn't be (inside), boots full of snow, and of course extreme cold.

Thanks for joining us for Feature Friday, a video and blog series where we take a deep dive into the season's relevant products to help you get the right gear for you and your team.

To address some of the frustrations that come along with any Canadian winter, we decided to explore the Tingley® Orion Winter Overshoe with deployable gaiter.

Protect the Footwear You Already Own

CSA footwear is an investment, and are typically made of quality materials such as leather. While leather always looks nice on boots and shoes, it simply doesn't hold up too well when exposed to lots of snow, slush, ice melt, or other elements that come with winter.

Orion Overshoes provide an alternative approach to traditional winter footwear. Its waterproof 840 Denier Nylon upper with Polyurethane coating can easily be washed while the Polypropylene foam liners provide comfortable insulation, delivering the same all-day comfort you would experience in a high-quality winter boot.

What is Denier?

To provide more context on the term '840 Denier' we must first understand that Denier (D) is a unit of density based on the length and weight of the fiber. The unit is measured by analyzing the amount of mass (in grams) a thread has over a length of 9000 meters (m). This means that 840 Denier nylon has a mass of 840 grams in a 9000m strand of material, making it a ballistic Nylon fabric which is one of the most durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics in its class. This also allows it to be waterproof without compromising on the overshoe's lightweight and anti-fatigue design.

Denier Thread Comparison (view enlarged image)

Perhaps one of the more beneficial features of this product is the roll-a-way gaiters with adjustable drawstring. Thanks to their minimalist design, the gaiters blend right into the boot using button clasps to secure them when they're not in use. However, when needed, the gaiters can roll out an additional 6", extending the coverage from the standard 14" to a whopping 20".

Orion Overshoe Features (view enlarged image)

To accommodate almost any work boot/shoe, the Orion features an extra-wide gusset for easy donning and doffing, while the hook & loop system allows for easy access and a secure closure. The larger quick-release clasps around the ankle allows users to quickly release the strap even while wearing bulky work gloves.

Preventing Trips, Slips, Falls, and Lost Time

One of the more impressive components of the Orion overshoe is the outsole. The dynamic Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) outsole is lined with cleats designed to 'bite' into the ice and snow for added traction.

Additionally, the deep textured lugs provide traction and stability to minimize the chances of losing your footing. With its self-cleaning design, snow, slush, and ice melt get ejected from the sole as the material bends and twists while walking. These features prevent the buildup of slippery material, therefore making you less likely to experience slip and fall injuries.

Orion Overshoe Outsole (view enlarged image)

In Canada alone, there are roughly 9,000 hospital visits annually that can be attributed to slips and falls on ice. This is a very concerning statistic, especially when you consider the fact that this number only accounts for recorded instances.

While it isn't mentioned how much recovery time these victims required, it's easy to see how the estimated cost of lost time and productivity will nearly always outweigh the cost of procuring the proper equipment for the job.

Benefits of Proper Winter Footwear (view enlarged image)

Jobsite Recommendations

For Employees:

• Walk slowly
• Be aware of ice and slush
• Use handrails (when possible)
• Clear bottom of shoes / boots before going inside
• Report slips and falls
• Report hazards that could lead to injury

For Employers:

• Proper snow removal on site including parking lots, sidewalks, stairs, and entrance ways (before employees arrive)
• Use salt, sand, and/or ice melt where needed
• Ensure workers who need them have proper winter footwear for the conditions
• Plan to clean up wet areas indoors
• Setup proper lighting on-site to make hazards more visible
• Maintain an open dialog with employees about risk prevention

Summary

With winter in full swing, it is never too late to address potential threats on the jobsite. Tingley® Orion Overshoes offer a unique solution that can protect you from some of the toughest challenges that Canadian winters present. With every detail purposefully crafted from top to bottom, it's easy to see how the Orion overshoe is a great choice for anyone looking to brave the elements while protecting their existing footwear.

To recap why you should consider the Tingley® Orion Overshoes before buying a pair of CSA rated Winter boots:

Convenience / Ease of Use

• Easy Donning and Doffing; conveniently transition your footwear from indoor to outdoor, and vice versa
• Easy cleaning 840D ballistic Nylon upper
• Easy secure and release closure

Comfort Features

• Waterproofing keeps the elements out
• Anti-fatigue footbed allows for all-day use
• Self-cleaning outsole (cleats with deep lugs) prevents slips and falls

Overall Cost

• More affordable than most CSA winter footwear
• Can help prevent lost time to maintain worker and organizational productivity
• Protects the investment made on your existing footwear

Sizing

Orion Overshoe Sizing (view enlarged image)

Contact Us

If you or your crew are in need of new winter footwear solutions, look no further than MacMor. If you have any questions about protective footwear, please do not hesitate to reach out to our sales team for help; one of our safety specialists will be more than happy to help you pick out the right gear to keep you safe this winter.

Thank you for reading. If you're looking to explore other products that help prevent slips and falls in the workplace, check out the blog posts below:

Baffin Ice Bear Winter Boots | FF

Geroline K1 Mid-Sole Ice Cleats | FF