When are safety boots with toe caps required by OSHA?

Safety boots with toe caps are required by OSHA when workers' feet are exposed to the risk of dropped or rolling materials. This precaution is crucial in environments where heavy objects may fall or be moved, such as construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. The toe caps are designed to protect the toes from crushing injuries, which can be severe and result from such accidents. This requirement emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in mitigating workplace hazards and ensuring the safety of workers in areas where they are likely to encounter these risks.

Options focused on wet conditions, high-altitude work, or all construction sites do not specifically address the direct threat of dropped or rolling materials, which is the central reason for mandating toe-cap safety boots.