Important Foot Safety Tips for National Safety Month
In June we celebrate National Safety Month, to stop workplace accidents and injuries. As your Westfield, IN podiatry practice, we want to make sure you don’t forget your foot safety in the workplace. That’s why, today, we’ll review the ways you can protect your feet on the job—no matter what your job may be.
Footwear Safety at Work
If your job involves working with heavy equipment, sharp or falling objects, you should always wear protective shoes. In fact, OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) says that many employers sponsor safety footwear for their employees. Whether you or your employer is buying your work shoes, here are the 3 key things to look for:
1. Safety. The shoes should be strong enough to protect your toes and feet from falling objects. Or from objects that may roll over your feet or toes. Look for features such as safety toe caps, metatarsal guards to protect the top of your foot, puncture-resistant soles and special construction materials. The material of your shoes’ soles is also important. Features such as slip-resistance or shock absorption can go a long way towards keeping you safe and comfortable.
2. Comfort and support. Protective shoes should also support your feet during a full day of work. Otherwise, you may face other problems, such as heel pain, that are associated with all-day standing. You should also consider the temperature at your job. If you work in hot or humid environments, you’ll want moisture-wicking footwear that can keep your feet dry, preventing rubbing and protect you from athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
3. Fit. If your protective work shoes pinch or leave too much room for your feet, you’ll raise your risk for issues such as hammertoes, bunions, corns and callouses. You should be able to wiggle your toes without feeling any pressure. When trying on your shoes, wear the socks you usually wear to work. Also, make sure your entire foot is covered—high top boots are usually the safest shoe style.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Job
If your employer doesn’t offer a shoe-buying program, shop for your work shoes at a job-specific store. Then, have your feet professionally measured to make sure the shoes you purchase fit perfectly. Remember, work boots will have different features depending on your job description, so you may need to wear a different size than your regular shoes.
It’s also a good idea to try on and test out your new work shoes before making a purchase. Walk around in them for a while—ideally, on a hard surface—to make sure they feel comfortable. Of course, stiffer work boots won’t feel like a pair of cozy slippers, but they shouldn’t ever hurt your feet.
Now, even the best pair of safety shoes can’t prevent all problems. So if your feet hurt after a long day of work, you may need the support of custom orthotics. And, if your feet have been bumped, bruised or otherwise injured, make an appointment right away with our office to prevent any long-term complications.