Page 39 - OHS, October 2020

There is no denying that COVID-19’s effect on the pharmaceutical industry has been astronomical.
hard floors can also cause additional discomfort and, unfortunately, this impacts the overall productivity and alertness of workers, increasing the risk of contamination.
Therefore, as employers, we need to do a better job as an industry to ensure that foot protection is accounted for with employees’ PPE. And as employees, we also need to be advocating for ourselves to proactively get the right foot support, especially when foot discomforts or pain persist for extended periods on the job.
Without ergonomically efficient foot support, foot pain and fatigue can have lasting effects on the body and create harmful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). As the feet hold humans’ entire bodyweight, damage done to the foot on the job can leave permanent lifelong impacts. And as much as older employees could pose a higher risk for developing MSDs, healthy footwear habits should always be encouraged for young employees; many of these foot-related health issues could follow them for life if the right precautions aren’t taken now. Exploring the right anti-fatigue solutions will not only help the employees with overall wellness and increase productivity but help reduce contamination concerns.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing demands processes and solutions that don’t increase contamination and helps in increasing
purity. Therefore, choosing the right anti-fatigue solution is the key. The stationary anti-fatigue solution can have several disadvantages in this scenario and will increase the risk of:
■ Contamination due to spills
■ Obstruction in cart movement due to curling and damage ■ Spreading the virus due to close setup
■ Slips, trips and fall
A mobile solution like Anti-Fatigue Insoles presents as the
most efficient option. Providing personal safety and comfort to each employee. This can help reduce the risk contamination and maintain the integrity of the cleanroom from material spills while providing a 360-degree protection across the facility. Also, providing protection from cold floor temperature so that the employees can work comfortably.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a considerable challenge to all industries including the pharmaceutical sector to maintain a safer workplace environment. Identification and choosing a more evidence informed solution will be the key.
Kevan Orvitz, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, is the Founder and President of MEGAComfort. Dr. Orvitz and his revolutionary ergonomic designs have paved the way for employees to experience enhanced comfort, decreased pain and fatigue creating a safer more productive workplace. With over 20 years of experience in various industries, Dr. Orvitz has studied all aspects of biomechanics and the human body, specifically the lower body and feet.
wwwU.notihtlesdo-2nli1ne.com
OCTOBER 2020 | Occupational Health8&/24S/2a0fet1y1:03 A3M5
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