Footwear For Concrete Floors

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Footwear for Concrete Floors

There are two major groupings of traumatic foot injuries. One group includes injuries like
punctures, lacerations and crushing. The second group includes injuries sustained during a slip
and fall, like fractures, strains and sprains. But, other very common problems are calluses,
ingrown toenails and quite simply, tired feet. Discomfort and pain increase the onset of fatigue,
which is proven as a contributing factor to incidents. Review these safety tips!

WORKSAFE TIPS BEST PRACTICES


 Standing or working on a hard, unyielding
BACKGROUND floor can cause a lot of discomfort.
 There is no workplace where workers are not  Wood, cork, carpeting, or rubber - flexibility
exposed to foot injury. - is gentler on workers' feet than concrete.
 Surveys suggest that two out of every three  Where resilient floors are not practical,
workers suffers from a foot problem. footwear with thick, insulating, shock-
 Foot problems are so common, they can be absorbing insoles can alleviate discomfort.
seen in any industry, in any facility.  Anti-fatigue matting can also be useful
 Hard, unyielding floors like concrete are the wherever workers have to stand or walk.
least comfortable surfaces to work on.  Anti-fatigue mats provide a cushioning
 Working on a hard floor has the impact of a which reduces foot fatigue.
hammer, pounding the heel at every step.
PURCHASING QUALITY FOOTWEAR
 Slippery floors are hazardous for slips and
falls that can result in sprained ankles or  The inner side of the shoe must be straight
broken foot bones. from the heel to the end of the big toe.
 The shoe must grip the heel firmly.
IMPROPER FOOTWEAR FOR CONCRETE  The forepart must allow freedom of
 Footwear that fits poorly or is in of repair also movement for the toes.
contributes heavily to foot discomfort.  The shoe must have a fastening across the
 Pointed toes and high heels are particularly instep to prevent slipping when walking.
inappropriate for working footwear.  The shoe must have a low, wide-based
 Not knowing about the need for foot heel; flat shoes are recommended.
protection in workplaces like schools or  People buying footwear for work should
offices can play a role in the onset of foot take the following advice:
problems.  Do not expect that footwear which is too
tight will stretch with wear.
SAFETY IMPROVMENTS  Have both feet measured when buying
 Take frequent, short brakes often. shoes. Feet normally differ in size.
 Learn and do other jobs, which allows for  Buy shoes to fit the bigger foot.
new and different body positions.  Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet
 Alternate job duties with other employees. are likely to be swollen to maximum size.
 Job rotation between standing and sitting  Get a doctor's advice if properly fitting
jobs reduces overall hard floor exposure. shoes are not available.
 Install anti-fatigue matting.  Consider using shock-absorbing insoles
where the job requires walking or standing
on hard floors.

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