Page 45 - Occupational Health & Safety, January/February 2019

maximum protection and comfort, anti-fatigue insoles with dual layered memory foam offer the most support and foot pain relief. Some insoles on the market are even machine washable!
Workplaces often utilize anti-fatigue matting to prevent slips, trips, and falls. However, these well-intentioned efforts often be- come extremely hazardous, especially during the winter months. Floor matting collects water, debris, and slush, which make it slip- pery and difficult to maintain proper traction. The mats also peel, chip, and become uneven. Anti-fatigue insoles provide employees and employers with a lasting, safe, and healthy solution. They pro- vide the wearer with constant comfort, support, and shock absorp- tion while reducing slips, trips, and falls.
During the cold winter months when temperatures drop, the blood vessels in extremities constrict to help minimize heat loss. When these vessels contract, there is a lack of blood flow, caus- ing pain in those specific areas. While it is unpleasant to deal with cold hands, it can be detrimental to suffer from cold feet as you are standing, walking, and moving throughout the day.
If the company budget does not allow for these added purchas- es, having a seminar on winter foot preparedness can be extremely beneficial. Explaining the potentially harmful occurrences that lack of heat, traction, and comfort to the feet can cause will likely encourage employees to take their foot health more seriously this winter. Buying proper winter footwear and accessories is not only beneficial for their health, but can also help to prevent injuries.
When discussing how to prepare for winter foot health, em- ployees also should be reminded of how to take care of their feet outside of the office. While warm socks, insoles, and insulated boots are beneficial at the workplace, these measures can also cause “winter heels,” which consists of cracked skin and fungal infections. In order to maintain healthy feet outside of the office, suggest a few daily tips everyone can use when they get home, such as: take off wet shoes/socks right away; use hydrating foot cream or Vaseline; soak in a warm bath; and smooth out heels with a pumice stone. Getting in the daily habit of taking care of our feet is extremely important, especially in the winter months.
Foot care and health deserve attention year round. However, the winter months present some greater challenges that require employers to be proactive. Instead of becoming a slip, trip, and fall statistic, workplaces can implement safety programs, such as an anti-fatigue insole program, to instantly provide employees with safety solutions.
Dr. Kevan Orvitz is a Veteran Podiatrist and the founder of MEGAComfort (http://megacomfort.com/), a workplace health and wellness company. Best known for his creation of the Personal Anti-Fatigue Mat (PAM) Insole, Dr. Orvitz and his revolutionary designs have paved the way for employees to experience enhanced comfort and decreased pain and fatigue, creating a safer, more pro- ductive workplace.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2016/42480-work-injuries-involved-ice- sleet-or-snow-in-2014.htm?view_full
2. http://megacomfort.com/products/industrial-megasock/
3. http://megacomfort.com/products/personal-anti-fatigue-mat/
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