How important are your work shoes in preventing contamination?

The material in which it is produced presents itself as the first reason for choosing professional shoes over leather or synthetic fabrics. Leather or fabric shoes enhance the retention and spread of bacteria and the consequent contamination of the environment. Contrary to models manufactured in closed cell, injected polymers, which are characterized by the opposite effect, prevent the proliferation of bacteria.

Sometimes, the advantages of closed cell materials add to the fact that they can withstand higher washing temperatures for total disinfection. Such as WOCK®, where there are several models applicable to high quality polymers, giving them greater safety and security.

In a medical-hospital environment there are two realities, the operating room in which the risks of infection are recognized and the use of sterilizable shoes is mandatory and outside the operating room where different practices are allowed according to the institution.

Several studies have pointed out that footwear is one of the biggest reasons for contamination of users in the hospital context, emphasizing the importance of using appropriate and preventive footwear with regard to the proliferation of infections, while reinforcing all other good practices implemented.

Professional footwear used in the workplace is considered to be PPE - Personal Protective Equipment. PPE is specially designed to protect users from potential injuries and contamination in a professional context with the aim of reducing the risks to which users are exposed. Professional WOCK® footwear is a PPE and it’s designed for the protection, comfort and safety of its users while, due to its characteristics, it also protects people in the natural environment.

Because it is produced in closed cell materials, professional footwear is easy and highly hygienic and can be machine washed up to 90⁰ and up to 134⁰ in an autoclave depending on the polymer in which it is produced.

Frequent cleaning at high temperatures is advised.