However, the lesser-known proverb that says, "If a work shoe's steel
toe, steel shank or metatarsal guard is showing, it must be retired immediately"
... well, that one hasn't gained quite as much traction in mainstream America.
Experts say there's good reason that inspecting and cleaning safety shoes
isn't always a high priority for many workers. The big reason, according to Arlen
Stensrud, vice president, marketing, for Rock Island, Ill.-based Norcross Safety
Products/North Safety Products, is human nature.
"You want to get where you're going after work whether it's home or your
favorite pub," Stensrud says. "You have other things on your mind other than cleaning
off your boots."