I WORK IN PUBLIC WORKS. WHAT IS THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR ME?

Public works encompasses several specialities with work sites all around us. Public works is essential to our daily lives: for electricity, drinking water, gas, the internet, urban development, etc.

Public works is included in the general construction sector, which has 2 sub-categories.

Public works, which includes all activities relating to the development of the living environment, i.e. urban and civil infrastructure (roads, water, electricity, gas and fibre networks). And building work which covers all activities from construction to demolition, including fitting out and maintenance (masonry and structural work, electricity, painting, joinery, etc.).

In a few figures, the construction sector in 2021 represented:

> Over 729,000 companies
> Over 1,402,400 employees
> Over 269,500 new hires, an increase of 12% in 3 years

These figures show the scale of this sector, which according to the INRS accounts for around 18% of lost-time accidents and almost 30% of fatalities. Employees in construction and specifically public works are exposed to a number of occupational hazards.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PPE

Depending on their tasks, public works employees are exposed to a number of risks.

Here are some figures on the main causes of accidents at work in this sector:

> 48% manual handling
> 17% falls from height
> 15% hand-operated tools
> 14% falls on the same level

In 2018, 87% of recognised occupational illnesses were musculoskeletal disorders. Workers in this sector generally have very physical jobs, which is why they are particularly exposed to MSDs. These problems frequently include back pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain and knee pain.

How do you explain this?

> The repetition of inappropriate movements
> Vibrations generated by the tools and machines used
> Carrying heavy loads

Public works professionals are also frequently confronted with high-risk situations that call for vigilance:

>Damp, uneven, dirty or cluttered floors
> Difficult weather conditions
> Narrow spaces, stairs, ladders
> Areas where there are both pedestrians and vehicles
> Fast traffic (delays, pressure on deadlines).

Protecting your feet

Working in conditions that can be particularly difficult, people in public works cannot afford to overlook foot protection. That's why it's essential to choose the right safety footwear to protect your feet and keep them comfortable.

First of all, good safety shoes for someone in public works should be S3 label, as they are adapted to wet work environments and uneven terrain. What's more, all S3 shoes have the additional WRU (water-repellent upper) label to protect wearers' feet from moisture. Of course, the S3 label ensures that the wearer has a safety shoe with an anti-puncture sole that will protect their feet from any sharp objects.

Depending on their activities, wearers should choose either a safety shoe with a low shaft to allow freedom to move or a shoe with a high shaft for better ankle support.

For the lowest temperatures, in winter, the additional CI (cold insulation) label ensures insulation from cold through the sole. Protection against the cold also involves choosing the right material for the upper, and leather is ideal because it keeps feet warm. And to keep your feet even warmer, you can opt for safety footwear with imitation synthetic fur lining, such as the NORDIK boots or NORWAY shoes.

Protecting your chest

Working outdoors, public works professionals have to adapt their clothing to suit the season. In winter, when temperatures are cold and humidity high, warm, waterproof clothing is a must. For this season, we advise you apply the onion technique, which consists of wearing 3 layers, as explained in our article "How to protect yourself from the cold". Click here to read it. During the summer, the heat means that you need to choose lightweight, breathable clothing, like the OYABE.

SELECTION OF PARADE PRODUCTS

With our NEBRASKA range, head off on an adventure and push your own boundaries. We've designed a complete range of 9 models with one objective in mind: to meet all the needs of public works and construction professionals. This range combines reliability, solidity and safety to become your ally for every step of your day-to-day adventures.

All the safety shoes in the range are S3 label safety shoes, i.e. the highest level of protection in accordance with the EN ISO 20345: 2011 standard. For a full explanation of safety standards, click here.

What's more, the insoles in the NEBRASKA range feature the exclusive PARADE FLEX SYSTEM technology. FLEX SYSTEM technology is suitable for construction work and uneven surfaces. The exclusive design of the sole with its grooves reduces the pressure areas on the sole, providing flexibility and comfort when walking. The shoe moves with the foot and the horizontal and notched grooves under the metatarsal bones, where the foot naturally bends, naturally expel soil as the foot moves forward.

This technology is also featured on our shoes with NEVADA soles (link to product information sheet).

Features and characteristics:

> Shoes with low to very high shafts

> Interior gussets to avoid soil or water getting into the shoes

> Resilient insoles that are comfortable all day long

> Stitched eyelets and loops for better rip resistance and stronger lacing.

> Some fur-lined models for cold environments

> Ultra-comfortable foam: from the collar to below the ankle

> An HRO outsole on Narena, Nareno and Netna shoes for better grip.

From low shoe (NIKOLA) to ankle boot (NOUMEA, NORWAY), to high ankle boot (NORMAN, NETNA, NARENA) to boots (NAGOYA, NORDIK), find the shoe that's right for you with PARADE.