Shoe studs, also known as cleats, can help prevent workplace accidents, particularly in snow or ice. Slips, trips and falls can add up to big bills for businesses in terms of medical payments, lost time and lost productivity. By providing workers with footwear that has adequate traction, you can reduce the possibility of injury.

You can find shoe studs at workwear stores, catalogs or online suppliers. Most shoe studs come embedded in oversoles made of a tough rubber that covers the shoe from toe to heel. The studs themselves are made of tough carbide, and makers strategically place them on the sole for best traction.

1. Choose the right size for your workers from a shoe studs list. For men, the shoe studs come in sizes 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15, and for women, choose sizes 9-11 or 12-13.

2. Look for shoe studs with replaceable studs to save you money when the initial studs wear out.

3. Tell employees to periodically check the wear of the studs for proper traction.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Help employees get around by providing shoe studs

Offering shoe studs to your employees gives them added protection, especially in winter weather. Providing your employees with safety gear such as shoe studs will help them perform their jobs without fear of accidents so that they can be more productive.

I recommend: The No-Slip Store offers Stabilicers, which strap onto shoes with Velcro straps and have replaceable cleats. Ergodyne Trex Ice Traction from Utility Safeguard, a shoe studs provider, feature stretchable black rubber oversoles and steel studs, and come with two replaceable studs.

Protect your workers from slips and falls with shoe studs

Stepping out onto an unknown surface can be treacherous for anyone, and employees who work outdoors in the wintertime are especially vulnerable to accidents. Shoe studs will help employees gain traction and are especially helpful when entering and exiting a vehicle, where many accidents can occur.

I recommend: Jordan David All Traction Footwear recommends their Altragrips shoe studs for extra traction when working in snow and icy conditions, and if you call their safety consultant at 1-888-NO-SLIPS, you can get more shoe studs information. Grainger offers rubber shoe studs that slip over the toe and heel of workboots.

Choose shoe studs to travel on ice

If your industry calls for constant contact with icy conditions, you will want to make sure you and your employees have as much protection as possible from slips and falls. Shoe studs that are in a cleat form will dig into the ice and keep them upright.

I recommend: Polar Cleats was an official product of the 1996 Torino Olympics, offering superior traction in snow and ice. The Shoe Claw from Talon Development accepts any standard cleat and strap on quickly with Velcro.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get employee feedback regarding the effectiveness of the shoe studs you are supplying to them.