Since 1870, safety footwear specialists, Blundstone, have been supporting and protecting farmers across Australia from the ground up.

Fit-for-purpose design continues to be at the forefront of Blundstone's considerations for technology and innovation - ensuring boots are offering the best support for their intended use and equally as important, are made to last.

This month, RotoFlex® by Blundstone launches in rural retailers across Australia. The world-leading, biomechanically designed range is a result of years of customer driven research and development into the needs of workers across several industries, including rural employees and businesses. The RotoFlex range offers six different styles, four unisex available in five-inch and six-inch and two women's specific styles in six-inch, expertly crafted to provide the pinnacle of lightweight safety.

Need for safety

Recent reports highlight the increased need for safety in rural environments. Since 2012, the agricultural industry has been identified as a national priority group by the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy.

Between 2019 and 2020 there were a total of 3893 serious claims and 46 fatalities reported in the industry (Safe Work Australia, 2021). The rising work-related injuries attained in the agriculture, forestry and fishing category can be attributed to incidences with vehicles, animals, falls from heights and handling of objects.

From working with cattle and machinery, to crops and orchards, each area presents a set of inherent challenges and risks for on-site workers.

Risks can vary enormously and it's important these are assessed before determining the best footwear protection.

Blundstone suggest considering the underfoot conditions such as uneven surfaces, smooth or slippery surfaces or wet or muddy conditions, along with the physical activities you may be undertaking in the boots such as jumping in and out of trucks, standing on uneven ground or using ladders.

To support workers facing varying workplace risks, RotoFlex is built with four technical features; GripTek® HD, Fortalite®, AirCell, and SoftCell® - each working together to provide outstanding levels of comfort and safety for the wearer.

"Every single component used in the construction of the RotoFlex range has been researched, tested and trialled to ensure we deliver truly innovative, better performing safety footwear," said Blundstone's Global Work & Safety Range Manager, Adrian Blandford.

"Our design team and technicians looked at multiple options for each element and selected the best performing, most appropriate product, and if they couldn't find the perfect piece, they went and created it so we could deliver best-in-market safety footwear," he said.

 

These features incorporate:

• Toe protection—the Fortalite composite toe cap holds strong under immense pressure. It provides lightweight, compression-resistant protection tested to 200 joule impact—ideal for working with animals.
• Slip resistance—the biomechanically conforming sole design, GripTek is designed with a unique TPU tread pattern and super cushioned midsole, offering optimum grip, all-day stability and maximum comfort. The innovative design reduces slip hazard risk, fatigue, and ankle injury—ideal for rural workers faced with mud and slippery surfaces.
• Fit—the overarching comfort system, SoftCell utilises a combination of specialist materials and a unique biomechanical foot-cradling design. This increases stability, balance, and manoeuvrability—providing all-encompassing comfort from day one. SoftCell also incorporates Infinergy® e-TPU, a super elastic foam from BASF that provides superior cushioning
• Comfort—The AirCell footbed has been uniquely constructed with specialised zoning designed to activate ventilation. This allows air to be pumped through channels to the heel, arch of the foot and between the toes, offering moisture control and cushioning comfort as the wearer walks and moves.

Fit-for-purpose just like the Blundstone range you know and love, RotoFlex offers wearers stability with the freedom to move, water-resistant uppers, a slip-resistant sole and a convenient zip side for easy on, easy off.

Put Blundstone's innovation to work—available at participating rural retailers in February 2023.

For more details, visit www.blundstone.com.au