Most Common Foot Injuries at the Workplace and How to Protect Yourself

Crushed or Broken Feet and Toes

This is one of the most common foot injuries at the workplace that could be caused by a lot of hazards at the work place. This includes falling objects or rolling equipment over the feet. Factories and industries with machinery also report this injury on a regular basis as a result of getting feet trapped, caught up or crushed by heavy machinery i.e trucks and bulldozers. If your job involves a risk of falling objects, then you definitely want to give safety boots a try. Go for steel or composite safety toe footwear, metatarsal guards and even puncture resistant, ASTM compliant boots.

Punctures to the Soles

Another injury that really puts workers out of commission worldwide are punctures to the underfoot. While almost every worker is on the lookout for danger from above and in front, it’s the unseen hazards from below that can really catch you by surprise. Since you put your entire weight on the foot when stepping, it’s very easy for nails, broken glass, metal shards or numerous other sharp objects to puncture the average shoe. Fortunately, shoes with puncture resistant insoles and guards should prevent even the toughest nails from making it to your foot.

Burns and Lacerations

This applies for workers in environments with extremely hot temperatures and those that handle excessively hot materials. If your job involves the risk of coming into contact with fire, molten metal splashes, flammable substances or explosive atmospheres, then you definitely want the best protection for your feet. Burns can be very devastating and in addition to causing pain and grief to the workers, they could be out of commission for months. Depending on the degree of burns, some workers could suffer permanent damage to the affected areas. Ensure you wear fire resistant work boots that have been rated safe against extremely high temperatures. You can also want to avoid steel toes and go for composite to prevent temperature conduction.

Frostbite and Amputation

A large percentage of people work in regions or environments where temperatures drop to below zero. Whether you are working out in the snow or packing meat in the company freezer all day long, there’s a real threat of frostbite and other cold related issues. Exposing your feet to extreme cold without the right protection could not only cause discomfort, but it could also lead to permanent tissue damage that will lead to amputation of the toes or the entire foot. Cold feet also slow down progress and can hinder productivity in the workplace. If you work in cold conditions, ensure you wear insulated footwear that captures body heat and prevents it from escaping. Your work boots also need to be water resistant to prevent water from seeping in.

Sprains, Dislocations and Disabling Injuries

Even in a hallway that is smooth and absolutely clear of hazards, one culprit still remains unseen yet very lethal. Gravity is always present and in an effort to make things right, it tends to pull you down all of a sudden. Falls, trips and slips are all very real threats that have led to severe injuries such as sprained ankles, dislocated joints, broken bones and permanently disabling injuries. Wet and slippery environments are a leading cause, but slips and falls also occurs on dry surfaces and ladders. Falls and slips can be prevented by wearing work boots that incorporate slip resistant rubber, crepe and urethane. Additionally, foot wear that wraps around and laces tightly will prevent twisting and spraining the joints.