By Rehan Iqbal
60,000 foot injuries a year on the job site. $9,600 per injury. 80% of injuries caused by objects weighing 30 pounds or less. Workplace foot injuries are a serious issue that cost companies and workers time, money, and a lot of stress. Here’s everything you need to know about foot injury prevention and how a little care goes a long way.
These statistics (courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics) prove an alarming point: workplace foot safety is a serious issue and one that needs more attention.
Not only does each injury cause serious financial damage to the company, but the employee must also endure weeks of pain and loss of quality of life.
Injury is a serious issue. Thankfully, the effects and risks can be minimized with proper safety.
Workplace Injuries: Who is at Risk?
According to government statistics, the workers most in need of safety work boots are:
The Most Common Hazards in the Workplace
Safety footwear is necessary in workplaces that include:
The Cure for Common Foot Hazards: Safety Footwear
Safety footwear and proper training are vital to preventing common workplaces injuries. The most common injuries are all highly preventable with the right pair of work boots and proper training. For the most common hazards, Occupational Health and Safety Magazine recommends the following:
These are not the Only Kinds of Workplace Foot Injuries…
Although slips, trips, broken bones, punctures, and lacerations are the most severe work-related foot injuries, they are far from the only kind.
In fact, some other less noticeable injuries could have worse long-term consequences (since they go untreated). Again, work boots and other safety footwear are the first line of defense.
These injuries are more along the lines of fatigue, discomfort, and general pain. However, these will also make a worker prone to more severe injuries.
Do not ignore these signs:
Some may seem innocuous (and they may very well be), but chronic issues cannot be ignored. The most common causes are:
Tips for Avoiding Foot Pain at Work
If you stand all day at work, use these tips to avoid foot pain. Minor aches and pains might not seem as severe as other major injuries, but they can lead to chronic, incurable issues.
Of course, nothing is as effective as a pair of well-fitted work boots. This is especially true if you will be spending 8 hours a day or more in them. Be sure to invest as much as you can into your foot health.
Work-related foot injuries cost millions of dollars in damage and endless pain and suffering. With proper training, a bit of education, and the proper pair of work boots for your environment, you can keep yourself, your employees, and your bank account happy! Remember, investing a few hundred dollars or so in a pair of great boots now is far superior to the alternative—a life-altering injury and thousands in damages.