Whether it’s out in the field or in the rigs out on a gulf there is one arduous task every pipeliner must go through at least once but ideally several times throughout their career. That would be the safety training video. The oil field is a dangerous place to work.
A good third of all injuries in this workplace is due to slips, trips, and falls. If you don’t think a fall is serious (maybe you’ve seen too many Wile E. Coyote cartoons) remember that at free-fall velocity a person taking a twelve-foot fall can hit the ground at twenty miles an hour.
This is the speed a car is allowed to go through in a school zone. Unless Superman or Wonder Woman hangs out at your worksite, it’s a good idea to keep accidents from happening to begin with.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Let’s begin at the beginning. How do we keep slips, trips and falls from happening? Good housekeeping is a place to start. Do not leave tools and equipment just lying around. Put things away when they are not in use. Cover cables so no one trips over them. You also need quality walking surfaces.
Puddles of oil or water should be cleaned up immediately. Lighting should be bright enough to see by. Walking surfaces should be even with no debris, obstruction or anything else that could make them dangerous. And of course, there’s footwear. You didn’t think we were going to skip that, did you?
The Reviews:
Here are some boots that have the protective toe, slip-resistant soles, a great fit, and required safety features. They are rated for traction and durability. Only you can decide which one is best for you. Do some comparison shopping.
1. Wolverine Men’s Drillbit Work Boot
These waterproof boots will take whatever life throws at them. They will be your first line of defense in a dangerous situation. Ever since 1883 with the establishment of this iconic American brand in Rockford, Michigan Wolverine has combined craftsmanship and quality materials to make boots that are soft on the feet but tough on harmful hazards. They are easy to put on and take off and provide plenty of protection and comfort for your feet.
Features and Benefits:
The ultra-smooth Boa lacing system is simple to use even with gloves. The wave mesh and PC dry lining keep the feet dry. A resilient Ortholite® footbed keeps the foot comfortable. The rubber midsole is lightweight.
The Vibram® rubber lug outsole offers reliable traction. The nylon shank delivers support. The classic Goodyear™ welt construction provides maximum flexibility. The steel toe is rated ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH.
What We Like:
- The laces are sturdy.
- They are easy to put on and take off.
- The sole and heel are replaceable.
- The boots are weatherproof.
- They are easy to clean.
What We Don’t:
- The tongue rides and chafes.
- They need some time to break in.
2. Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger 6″ Boot
One of Red Wing’s most popular footwear styles, the Iron Ranger was named after the industrious miners on Minnesota’s northern iron range. Minnesota is North America’s largest producer of iron ore and was once home to several ranges.
This iron production began a keystone of industrial development in not only the Star of the North that is Minnesota but the entire country. These hardy boots from Red Wing are a super choice for people who are employed in oilfields.
Features and Benefits:
The superior quality, durable stitch down Goodyear welt construction makes for a long-lasting boot. The oil-resistant and slip-resistant nitrile cork outsole make walking around safer and easier.
The fine quality waterproof leather upper keeps the foot dry and protected. The capped toe and steel shank protect and support the foot. A bump toe offers more room upfront.
What We Like:
- The hand stitching is of top-notch quality.
- The sole is oil-resistant to prevent slipping.
- The boots are waterproof.
- They are durable and long-lasting.
- The stitch-down welt construction ensures a boot that will last a long time.
What We Don’t:
- There is a long break-in time.
- The toe is soft and easily scratched.
3. Danner Men’s Super Rain Forest 200 Gram Work Boot
The Super Rain Forest boot is a wonderful multi-purpose work boot that will help you get the job done. This is the boot that has been used by firefighters, ranger service representatives, along with a multitude of outside occupations as they are ready for the outdoors plus the climate and conditions that come with them. It features a slim and smooth profile and a toe area that can accommodate the safety toe top.
Features and Benefits:
The full-grain leather of the upper is waterproof to keep feet dry. The boots are insulated for warmth yet are breathable for cool comfort. There is a double thickness of leather in the areas where most injuries can happen for safety.
The durable and slip-resistant Vibram outsole makes a boot safe and easy to walk in. A sturdy stitch down construction makes for a long-lasting boot. The EVA midsole is supportive and comfortable. The Vibram outsole is durable and slip-resistant.
What We Like:
- The boots are waterproof yet breathable.
- The electrical stun safe sole and heel conforms to ASTM F2892-11 EH standards.
- The soles are practically puncture-proof.
- The boots are comfortable.
What We Don’t:
- They do not have a safety toe.
- The fit runs a bit big.
4. Georgia Men’s Pull-On Muddog Work Boot
If you are seeking out a work boot with claws, you can find them in these 12″ Mud Dog pull-on boots from Georgia Boot. You can get all of your work done and still have the energy for fun in these dependable and durable boots. The Muddog pull-on boots are an excellent option for people who work on oilfields, oil refineries or in other harsh conditions in the outdoors.
Features and Benefits:
The durable and rugged full-grain leather upper keeps the foot protected. The moisture-wicking and breathable lining can keep the feet both dry and comfortable. The orthotic footbed adds to the comfort. The outsole is oil-resistant, slip-resistant, replaceable and repairable for safety and convenience.
The pull-on structure means no laces to trip on. The upper and the sole are sewn together through the Goodyear welt stitching creating great durability. The patented SPR leather resists harsh chemicals.
What We Like:
- The boots are waterproof.
- The boots are comfortable.
- The boots are durable.
What We Don’t:
- Some people don’t like how they look.
- Seams need to be stronger.
5. MuckBoots Adult Chore Steel Toe Boot
These boots are half leather, half nylon, and the sole is all rubber. They are perfect for any worker who would require added toe protection. They’ll work just as well indoors as outdoors while keeping the feet dry and protected all day long. It is a lightweight but comfortable and hardy boot. The MuckBoots Adult Chore Steel Boot is supportive, protective and easy to clean.
Features and Benefits:
The five-millimeter neoprene is both waterproof and shock-absorbent. It is warm and flexible enough to adapt to the natural shape of the foot for great support. The waterproof technology keeps feet dry on the inside by wicking moisture away from the skin. These boots come with a steel toe for impact protection, a steel shank for additional support and washable rubber overlays and outsoles.
What We Like:
- The boots are waterproof.
- The mesh lining is breathable.
- There is electric hazard protection.
- The boots are warm.
- They are lightweight.
- The heel is reinforced.
What We Don’t:
- There is concern about durability.
- They are not good on wet concrete.
There is Nothing Like Looking If You Want to Find Something
So, you have decided to find a good pair of boots to help you out in your job in the oil field. Great idea. You would not wear shoddily made gloves or safety glasses to work. You wouldn’t wear an apron being held together with Band-Aids and prayer. You’d sooner go out bare-headed than in a hard hat that isn’t. Put those same standards into your shoes. Search out the very best.
So, what are some things you should look for in a work boot on the rigs? You might want to look at the overall construction of the boot. How all the individual pieces of material are put together can affect the long term durability of the shoe. Generally, there are two types of construction in the manufacture of work boots.
Cement construction (known also as direct-attach) consists of connecting the upper part of the boot to the sole using a molten rubber. Cementing uses a flexible yet durable epoxy to bond the outsole to the remainder of the boot. Boots manufactured utilizing welting would entail a sturdy strip of leather, rubber or plastic being stitched to the upper part of the boot and sole.
This makes for quality made, albeit pricier boot. In the oilfield, this is in all probability the ideal choice rather than the direct-attach construction because of its ability to withstand a multitude of damaging conditions.
Here are Some Other Key Factors in Finding Suitable Work Boots
- Toe Cap Whether steel, aluminum or composite works best for you, your boot should have a protective toe cap. They all have their upsides and downsides. Steel toes offer the best puncture protection but are often heavy. Composite toe boots (fabricated from materials such as plastic, carbon fiber, and rubber) are lightweight yet durable. Aluminum toes offer another option for lightweight defense while still conforming to ANSI/ASTM safety standards.
- Slip Resistance Rubber is by far the type of material for soles in the oilfield. Its innate gripping ability offers resistance to abrasions, oil, sediment, and chemicals. TPU offers resistance to abrasion, oil, and chemicals too and so maybe a good alternative. EVA soles have the advantage of being comfortable, soft and flexible. However, they can compact over time and with wear.
- Fit This is the most important trait of any set of footwear. The boot must comfortably conform to the shape of your foot. Fortunately, boots are available in a wide range of sizes. This includes regular and wide widths. A little extra padding is always good. When you try on the boot for the first time, you need it to have a snug feel but not one that’s too tight.
- Safety If you want to rest assured that your boots will be safe you should only buy boots that are OSHA-approved. That guarantees that they meet with standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as well as by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When in doubt, ask your supervisor what boots are required for your job.
You Have Dancing Shoes With Nimble Soles: I Have a Soul of Lead
As Romeo inferred, lead makes a terrible material for the sole of a shoe. Your work boot soles must offer a good deal of traction and supreme durability. However, they must also provide comfort. Soles are generally made out of a synthetic or natural rubber, sometimes a combination of the two.
Vibram® soles are usually highly thought of as the standard for rugged outdoor boot soles. Either will work. What you must focus on is the sole’s traction. Be on the lookout for work boots that feature deep “lugs” in the soles. These would be the parts of the sole which stick out from the actual base of the shoe.
These lugs will provide you with the traction that you will need in snow, mud, and ice. And always keep in mind that if your boot sole wears away while the rest of the boot is still good (a common occurrence) you can always have it replaced.
Conclusion
Safety on the job in the oil field is of utmost importance. It’s not at all difficult. All you have to do is take a moment to be mindful. Stop and think about what it is you’re doing. Sometimes safety can be as easy as getting the proper pair of boots for the job. With a little comparison shopping, you are sure to find the perfect pair of boots just for you.
References:
- https://drillers.com/top-9-best-oil-field-boots
- https://workbootworx.com/698-2
- https://authorizedboots.com/danner-mens-super-rain-forest-boot-review
- https://www.tractorsupply.com
- https://www.theinteriordigest.com/best-rubber-work-boots
- https://www.keystoneenergytools.com/pick-right-oilfield-work-boot
- http://frackingjobs.co/ultimate-guide-to-work-boots
- https://www.oiljobfinder.com/members/entry-level-jobs/pipeliner-jobs/responsibilities
- https://work.chron.com/pipeline-job-28614.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_refinery
- https://www.amerisafe-css.com/blog/national-safety-week-slips-trips-and-falls
