Page 88 - Occupational Health & Safety, October 2018

FOOT PROTECTION
Foot Injuries: Why They Matter and How to Avoid Them in Any Workplace
Supportive footwear with added comfort and shock absorption can prevent injury, illness, and fatigue.
BY KEVAN ORVITZ
Working hard is part of our everyday lives, but sometimes this work can put us at risk, whether we’re aware of it or not. There are many jobs that can put individuals in dangerous circumstances and employ- ers are responsible for minimizing the risk of injuries, major or minimal, that could negatively impact their employees. Foot injuries are one of the most prevalent incidents in the workplace, regardless of occupation.
In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 52,070 cases of foot-related injuries. As a result, these injuries can lead to missed work days, pain, decreased productivity, higher expenditures in health care costs, and even partial or permanent disabilities. Fortunately, employers and employees can work together and take steps towards minimizing risks and increasing wellness.
Constructing Happy Feet
Construction is known as one of the most dangerous occupations, due to all of the workplace hazards that
these workers are exposed to on a daily basis. On an average construction site, workers might see falling/ loose objects, be required to participate in heavy lift- ing, climb ladders, or use unsafe equipment and heavy machinery. These are some of the common hazards facing construction workers, so they must always be prepared and on high alert while on the job site. Not only do these items present danger, but the physical exhaustion these professionals experience can lead to unsteadiness, causing slips, trips, and falls.
To prevent these injuries, it is recommended that workers take breaks throughout the day to rehydrate and rest their feet. Employers can do their part to pro- tect employees and help reduce the risks associated with daily construction duties by investing in per- sonal protection equipment (PPE). Almost everyone, including full-time, part-time, and visiting employees, benefits from PPE. For example, construction work- ers are constantly walking on hard surfaces, filled with dangerous items such as shards of glass and nails.
84 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2018
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