Page 104 - Occupational Health & Safety, September 2017

FOOT PROTECTION
Improving Employee Health and
Workplace Productivity with an Insole Program
Feet are the foundation of the body, carrying the burden of weight while supporting the knees, back, and hips.
BY KEVAN ORVITZ
Workers who walk or stand for long peri- ods of time during their workday, with- out proper fthe oot support and shock absorption, are susceptible to pain and harmful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can
have lasting effects on the body. Just as steel-toe foot- wear is often required as personal protective equip- ment for workers, insoles are essential for preventing pain and fatigue. Aches and pains in the body associ- ated with foot issues can also impact workers’ knees and back. Understandably, this can result in reduced employee work productivity or absenteeism.
There is a significant advantage to providing in- soles vs. traditional anti-fatigue matting for a work environment. The benefits of insoles include a person- alized fit and the ability for the worker to be mobile. If orthotics insoles are necessary to correct an exist- ing issue such as pronation, it is important that the orthotic insole supports, corrects, and places the foot back in its natural and neutral position, the optimal position for healthy feet.
Implementing a company insole program is an important decision and all aspects should be con- sidered, including employee involvement, to ensure the program meets the needs of all workers and has a positive impact and acceptance rate.
The Risks of Ignoring Food Support
Employees who work on their feet everyday are at higher risk of MSDs, with back disorders accounting for 49 percent of all work-related injuries. Physical work requirements within manufacturing and similar industries include prolonged standing, static postures, overexertion, and repetitive motion, which can lead to aches, pain, and injuries on the job. Standing or walk- ing for long periods of time within the workplace af- fects the knee, hip, and back over the long term.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, em- ployment of workers over 65 increased by 101 percent between 1997 and 2007.1 Due to the aging workforce and increased health care costs, insurance premiums and workers’ compensation claims are skyrocketing. Arthritis and other degenerative diseases are on the rise, and the cumulative effects of micro trauma and repetitive stress can build up. In fact, 54 million U.S. adults have arthritis, and that number is expected to reach more than 78 million by 2040, according to a re- cent CDC study.2 With elderly workers at an increased risk of arthritis,3 it’s important to prevent the progres- sion of arthritis with additional foot comfort and sup- port. If it’s left untreated, the condition can quickly force workers to leave their jobs.
Balance is also important as workers age. Accord-
92 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2017
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