How can workers near grounded vehicles be protected from step and touch potential?

Wearing approved insulated footwear is essential for protecting workers near grounded vehicles from step and touch potential because it creates a barrier between the worker and the earth. Step potential occurs when there is a voltage difference between the feet of a person standing on the ground, leading to current flowing through their body if they touch an object at a different potential. Insulated footwear helps to prevent this by isolating the worker from these potential differences, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock.

In contrast, while insulated tools, grounded platforms, and safety barriers contribute to safety in different ways, they do not directly address the ground contact issue posed by step and touch potential. Insulated tools help prevent shock during electrical work, a grounded platform can provide added stability and reduce risk when working around currents, and safety barriers might keep workers out of high-risk areas but do not specifically protect against the electrical risks associated with step and touch potential.