Potential hazards which may lead to foot and leg injuries include falling or rolling objects, crushing or penetrating materials, hot, corrosive or poisonous substances, electrical hazards, static electricity, or slippery surfaces. Different footwear protects in different ways.
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What is the importance of foot protection?
Your feet support your entire body and – literally – carry heavy loads on a daily basis. For this reason, suitable footwear is important to protect the feet at all times, especially at the work place. Modern safety shoes provide protection without stressing the feet.
How can foot injuries be prevented in the workplace?
Foot Safety Tips for Workers
Wear the correct footwear. Boots with toecaps and puncture proof soles are required in many industrial work settings. Other jobs may call for non-slip soles, chemical-resistant materials, insulation and other protective qualities. Make sure the shoes meet required safety standards.
What PPE is needed for protecting the foot?
For protection of feet and legs from falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces, and wet slippery surfaces, workers should use appropriate footguards, safety shoes, or boots and leggings. Leggings protect the lower leg and feet from molten metal or welding sparks.
Why is it important to wear boots?
You may question why safety shoes are required, safety footwear can help protect your feet against burns, cuts, punctures and impact. They can also prevent slips and falls which can lead to more serious problems such as broken bones and head injuries.
What are common causes of foot injuries in the workplace?
What are some specific examples of workplace foot injuries?
| Injuries | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Electric shocks | Static electricity, contact with sources of electricity |
| Sprained or twisted ankles, fractured or broken bones because of slips, trips or falls | Slippery floors, littered walkways, incorrect footwear, poor lighting. |
How can I protect my feet?
Feet First: Six Tips To Maintain Healthy Feet and the Freedom To Move
- Clean Your Feet Daily and Wear Clean, Dry Socks. Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water.
- Inspect Your Feet Regularly.
- Cut Nails Carefully and Regularly.
- Always Wear Well-Fitted Shoes.
- Moisturize Your Feet at Night.
- Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control.
How can you prevent ankle injuries at work?
Wearing the right footwear for the job protects you from stress-related injury to the ankles, knees, hips and spine. Wear activity-specific, well-fitting shoes, use spots strapping tape or an ankle brace to provide good ankle joint support (see your physiotherapist for advice on the correct support).
How will you protect your feet from a dropped item?
Wear safety shoes to prevent injury to your feet from a dropped item.
What is foot and leg protection?
Foot and leg protection is required when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects that may pierce the sole of the shoe or where an employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
What is protective footwear?
Protective footwear is a secondary measure that is intended to prevent injury or reduce the injury severity in the event of an accident. Safety-toe footwear are shoes which have a steel toe cap underneath the leather toe cap and protect the wearer’s toe from moving or falling objects.
When should you wear safety footwear on site?
Health and safety law only requires safety footwear to be worn where there is a real risk of injury. It is not uncommon for employers to adopt a policy requiring the wearing of safety footwear at all times, when and where there is a risk that people would not change into and out of PPE footwear during the day.
Why safety boots are important at the workplace?
In an environment where workers carry heavy materials or operate heavy machineries and/or vehicles, protective safety shoes with steel toe boots can prevent injuries to the feet caused by falling/flying heavy objects.
What is the example of foot protection?
Types of Foot Protection
Toe guards: Toe guards fit over the ends of regular shoes to help prevent foot injuries. Electrically conductive boots: Electrically conductive boots protect against the buildup of static electricity.
What is the most common foot injury in the workplace?
Top 3 Common Workplace Foot Injuries
- Broken Feet. If you’re someone who works around heavy equipment, you’re probably aware that crushing injuries to the feet (which often result in fractures) are a serious risk.
- Plantar Fasciitis.
- Bunions.
What are the consequences of not wearing PPE?
Without PPE, employees are at risk of:
- Being struck by falling objects or debris.
- Impacts and collisions.
- Breathing in contaminated air.
- Cuts and punctures.
- Chemical burns.
- Electric shocks.
- Exposure to excessive noise or vibration.
- Projectiles or chemicals harming the eyes.
How your feet can tell your health?
That said, swollen feet and ankles could also be a sign of something more serious such as neuropathic arthropathy, arthritis, venous insufficiency, renal disease, congestive heart failure or gout—one of the “greatest imitators.” On the surface, gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric
What factors should employees consider when choosing footwear?
There are multiple factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate foot protection.
Safety Shoes—Selecting the Right Shoe for Your Workplace
- SAFETY.
- Buy what you need.
- Check your soles.
- Wick away the moisture.
- Stability is important.
- Completely cover your feet.
How can you prevent sprains and strains in the workplace?
- Workplace Layout. One of the best ways to avoid workplace strains and sprains is to design a workspace that reduces injury risk factors.
- Proper Lifting Techniques.
- Mechanical Aids.
- Material Handling Training.
- Back Belts.
- Department-Specific Material Handling Resources.
Poor footwear choice can contribute to common sports injuries such as shin splints and Achilles tendon pain, corns and bunions, ingrown nails, or postural issues and lower back pain. Such injuries may significantly limit or stop your activity.
How do you prevent weak ankles?
Let’s talk about some of the most effective ways to strengthen weak ankles and consequently prevent ankle injuries:
- Lose Weight.
- Use Correct Footwear.
- Warm Up and Cool Down When Exercising.
- Write the Alphabet Using Your Toes.
- Standing Calf Raises (Standing on Tiptoes)
- Flex and Stretch (Pointing the Feet)