Dortmund, August 2020: Accidents at work caused by tripping, slipping and falling are not uncommon in the construction industry. Uneven floors, unstable weather conditions and substrates of varying texture are among the everyday risks that a construction worker faces. Without the right footwear, the risk of slipping and falling accidents is enormously high. However, missteps can be avoided: With a holistic outsole concept that significantly minimizes the risk of twisting your ankle. Because especially those who cover many kilometers a day or stand a lot expose their body to high stresses. Safety shoe manufacturers such as ATLAS have therefore developed innovative outsole and cushioning systems with the help of the latest scientific findings.
Work healthier with the right footwear
Anyone who works on construction sites every day in wind and weather, walks on uneven ground, needs special safety shoes. In addition to a non-slip outsole and a good fit, the focus is of course also on wearing comfort. A safety shoe is worn for up to 14 hours a day and must not only be durable, but also comfortable to wear. It is particularly important that the shoe is breathable and still withstands all weather conditions. The new, innovative SL 535 model from the safety shoe manufacturer ATLAS offers the best conditions for this. The combination of water-resistant waterproof smooth leather, active climate regulation, cushioned and non-slip outsoles make the SL 535 an all-round talent for the working day. The upper material has to withstand special challenges throughout the working day. ATLAS uses high-quality, full-grain cowhide, which is characterized by good breathability, durability, dimensional stability and flexibility at the same time. Thanks to the ergonomically shaped shaft and the extra-high lacing, it offers the best possible support: the ankle is actively supported and stabilised. Accidents can be avoided with a holistic outsole concept.
Avoid accidents thanks to a holistic outsole concept
Especially now that autumn is approaching, it is important to have the right outsole.Employees in the construction industry should pay attention to safety shoes with a tread and the highest slip resistance class SRC. Anyone who also has to climb ladders or scaffolding is dependent on a stable sole. For optimal grip, ATLAS relies on special outsole concepts. Using state-of-the-art technology, different profiles and degrees of hardness are combined in the direct foaming process. The ergonomic profile design of the soles also provides more grip and supports the natural sequence of movements. The new INNOFLEX SYSTEM® is a holistic outsole concept and supports the wearer in every phase of movement. From the first to the last contact with the ground, the sole complex is permanently guided by the same, natural force curve line of the INNOFLEX LINE. It optimally directs the forces from heel to toe and thus supports the natural force distribution line. The numerous and responsive FLEX GROOVES support the natural rolling behavior and ensure perfect grip and support with their arrangement. The new DYNAMIC PLATES arranged in the forefoot area perfectly transfer forward energy. Positioning plays a decisive role in this. Special areas such as the CLOUDZONE in the heel are responsible for the corresponding energy absorption, i.e. cushioning. The large-format treads, which are equipped with particularly energy-absorbing MPU material, absorb the energy and return it to the movement sequence in a targeted manner. This guarantees fatigue-free running throughout the entire working day. The MPU® overcap offers special protection against abrasion in the toe area, protects the upper leather in this area against premature wear and noticeably increases the service life of the safety shoe.
Typical causes of so-called SRS accidents (stumbling, sliding, falling) are not only uneven terrain but also particularly smooth floors, which is why the new outsole concept from ATLAS® meets the highest slip resistance class SRC and offers reliable grip.
Thinking one step further
On average, 100 "near misses" occur per day. These can often be more dangerous than expected, because they can also lead to serious injuries to the foot and lower leg. As the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports, the costs for insurance benefits due to SRS accidents amount to 330 million euros annually – the production losses even amount to around eight billion euros. It therefore pays to invest in the right footwear for your employees. Not only the financial aspect is favored by this. The health of employees is also supported and promoted by an optimal safety shoe.
Triple cushioning for safety shoes
In many work areas, several kilometers a day are covered on hard ground. Each step then transmits an intense impact shock to the musculoskeletal system. If this is not sufficiently dampened, the joints can be damaged. This leads to pain, misalignments and, in the worst case, inability to work. The same applies to working with heavy equipment and standing for long periods of time. Here, too, the joints are put under greater strain and require special support of the outsole complex. Around one in four days of incapacity for work is triggered by diseases of the musculoskeletal system. However, this can be counteracted by optimizing the cushioning of the shoes. It depends on the interaction of several factors: As with the SL 535 from ATLAS, the outsole is as robust, slip-resistant and abrasion-resistant as possible. In contrast, the midsole is primarily responsible for soft-bedding cushioning. In addition, manufacturers of safety shoes rely on the insole: the anatomically shaped footbed optimally distributes the pressure on the foot. This innovative system consisting of a pressure-relieving insole, cushioning midsole and dynamic outsole from ATLAS is called "3D cushioning" and is primarily aimed at prevention through gentle and fatigue-free running.
Good cushioning, especially in combination with a stable hold in the shoe and a tread-proof outsole, is a very effective way to maintain the health of all employees – and thus prevent work and production losses in the long term.
SL535 XP® S3 – The all-round talent: From professionals for professionals.
About ATLAS
ATLAS® – the shoe company has stood for quality and value for generations and is the leading manufacturer of safety shoes in Europe. This year, Atlas celebrates its 110th anniversary. The company has managed to combine tradition and innovation and thus defies all changes - be it in the world of work or in the demands of its customers. At the modern production site in Dortmund, more than 2.6 million pairs of safety shoes are produced annually. Behind this is a dedicated team of over 1,600 employees. The aim of every development is to create safety shoes that inspire the customer in every respect. Different working environments place a wide variety of demands on the safety of customers. ATLAS® therefore offers various solutions and develops safety shoes that correspond to the world of work. The use of innovative technologies, a clear design and the perfect processing of selected materials meet the highest requirements.