Foot injuries rank high in the list of accidents that occur in the workplace. According to an OH&S article, foot injuries alone account for 25% of reported non-fatal disabling injuries in 2010. These injuries are often blamed on falling or rolling objects, electrical hazards, objects piercing the sole, and chemical splashes.
OSHA requires employees to wear proper protective footwear when working in areas where foot injuries are likely to happen. There are many safety shoes available, but remember that you have to choose the ones that will give you the protection you need. Here are two guidelines finding the right footwear.
Know which is best for you.
The ANSI Z41-1991 divides protective footwear into six categories corresponding to the most common causes of foot injuries. Know what hazards or injuries you are likely to deal with in your present workplace, and choose the footwear that can best protect you.
- Impact and Compression Resistance – features a steel toe that protects against falling or rolling objects
- Metatarsal Footwear – offers protection to the area between the toes and the ankle
- Electrical Hazard – designed with a sole that works against electric shocks up to 600V under dry conditions
- Puncture Resistance – with a sole that withstands puncture from sharp objects such as broken glass and nails
- Conductive Footwear – prevents buildup of static electricity
- Static Dissipative – decreases buildup while protecting from electrical hazards
Pick the right fit.
The right fit is the comfortable fit. Jim Falcinelli, director of marketing for Hy-Test Boots and Shoes, observed that even steel-toe shoes are comfortable if properly fitted. There are some things you can do to find the perfect fit:
- Wear your usual work socks. Wearing thicker or thinner socks when fitting might end you up with a bigger or smaller size.
- Take the size of both feet. Most people have a slightly bigger right foot. Measure each foot, and always follow the bigger size. It’s easier to make adjustments for the smaller foot with a larger-sized shoe.
- Shop in the afternoon. Your feet swell and expand at the end of the day, particularly if you’ve been on them all morning. If some areas of your feet hurt, pick a different style.
It is also essential to keep your footwear in good shape. Some slip-resistant shoes fail to work because of the dirt that has accumulated. Make sure to clean your shoes, check for gaping toes or soles, and remove stuck nails or glasses. Doing so does not only ensure that your shoes do protect you; it also makes them last longer.
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Hazel Evangelista is a writer, reader, and part-time sun-worshipper. She’s been writing about safety and security lately, and you can find more of her work at Emedco’s Blog. If not busy at work, she’s busy with life – climbing mountains, surfing waves, or lazing by the beach with a good book in hand.