8 June 2006 - TARMAC HELPS WORKERS AVOID 'WAYNE'S PAIN'

Following the result of Wayne Rooney's high-profile Metatarsal scan, experts at Tarmac have developed a new 'super boot' to protect the precarious foot bone of all its front line personnel in other bruising work encounters.

PWhether it's tackling road surfaces or other potential bruising encounters Tarmac has developed the lightweight footwear with safety footwear company Bacou-Dalloz to keep accident rates down and workers in - as opposed to on - the field.

"We've all shared Wayne's pain, but the traditional option has been a heavyweight and uncomfortable safety boot. This is a lightweight alternative that is both comfortable and protective of the Metatarsal," said Tarmac's sustainable development manager Ken Bradley.

"We don't encourage our employees to get into bruising incidents or try flying scissor kicks, but looking after their feet and that all important Metatarsal, is something we encourage throughout the company. We are confident the boot will be as real an asset as Wayne Rooney will be on the pitch in Germany," he adds.

Paul Fleetham, Tarmac's national contracting director, said: "We couldn't find a suitable boot that met our requirements and were delighted to work with Bacou in the development of the 'super boot'. We see it as such a significant improvement that rather than phase the boots in, we will be replacing more than 1,000 pairs of boots for our employees in one go. We've also given details of the super boot to other companies to ensure other road workers benefit from Tarmac's research and development in this area."

The boot, which incorporates same material as flak jackets to protect the top of the foot from things being dropped on it, has been developed the past nine months in response to recurring foot injuries in the construction industry. Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive for 2004/05 show there were 479 foot fractures in the industry for that period.

The boots are also capable of withstanding 300 degrees centigrade and have mid-sole protection to prevent nails going through. They also boast a quick-release system like a ski boot. Tarmac is issuing them to all contracting workers this summer and will also be issuing to sub-contractors in time.

Stuart Turnbull, national sales manager for footwear at Bacou-Dalloz, said: "Companies like Tarmac are pushing the boundaries in terms of developing safety equipment and it's good for us to work with companies like that. Tarmac had specific needs which we've taken on board to produce a boot that is easy to put on, take off, is comfortable to work in and is above all safe."

Tarmac 'Super boot' facts

Metatarsal protector boot tongue made from same material as flak jackets
Soles can withstand 300 degrees centigrade
Aluminium-lined soles to keep heat away from feet
Non-steel toe cap providing the same protection but greater comfort
Mid-sole protection to prevent nails going through
Rubbarised protection on the back of the ankle to protect against scuffing
Quick-release system similar to a ski boot
Soles that use a new compound with better grip than standard boots

Ends

For further information please contact Christine Smart, Rebecca Cowley, Delia Elcock or Andrew Hutson at IAS SMARTS on 0121 456 3199.