As a worker, your feet play a huge role when it comes to boosting your performance and ensuring that you stay productive. If you experience pain or discomfort, or worse, injure your feet, then your entire job will be extremely affected. With that in mind, it’s really a must for you to know how you can protect your feet in the workplace.
Especially if you have a job that exposes you to numerous safety hazards on a daily basis, you really need to be fully knowledgeable about some effective tips on how to keep your feet safe at work. This article aims to inform you about food safety in the workplace.
Here are some valuable tips to remember:
#1 – Wear proper footwear.
You have to wear a pair of safe and comfortable work boots or shoes in the workplace. Note that proper footwear is vital as it does not only promote foot comfort but is also good for your overall well-being. Wearing the wrong shoes might just cause you to develop foot problems.
If you have an existing problem in your feet, then wearing improper footwear can aggravate that, too. That said, you need a work boot or shoe that fits and supports you well while also protecting you from various hazards. When searching for the perfect work boot for you, you have to check the insides.
The inner side should be straight starting from the heel up to the end of your big toe. It should also have a firm grip at the heel. As for the forepart, it should be designed in a way that your toes can move freely. It should also be able to prevent you from slipping accidentally.
If you are in a slippery work environment, then it would be best to pick cleat-designed soles. It is important for the soles to be soft as it makes them capable of handling slippery indoor conditions. If you plan to use the shoe for the tough outdoor environment, then go for a more rugged and sturdy cleat-designed sole.
Also, ensure that overall material used in the shoe is strong enough to cover your ankle and feet. It would be best to go for leather boots. However, if you constantly work in wet areas or environments that expose you to oils, pesticides, greases, and oils, then it would be best to pick a boot constructed from a combination of polyurethane and PVC.
#2 – Know the specific type and size of your feet.
It’s important that you know exactly the type and size of your feet so you can find the most suitable footwear for you. If possible, have your feet measured by a professional. Also, find out if you have a flat foot or if you have a high arch.
Such will help you determine the kind and level of support, stability, and cushion that you need for your shoe.
#3 – Learn how to take care of your feet properly.
You also have to exert an effort to take good care of your feet whether you are in or out of your workplace. While off the job, it would be best to wash your feet and dry them thoroughly. Also, check the condition of your feet from time to time. Find out if there are cracks, calluses or corns.
Furthermore, it is important to keep your feet warm in cold conditions. Visiting a podiatrist regularly can also help you detect whether you are already suffering from a foot condition that requires immediate attention.
#4 – Allow your feet to rest from time to time.
One way to guarantee the safety of your feet in the workplace and avoid foot-related injuries is to ensure that you let them rest from time to time. Avoid putting too much pressure and impact to your feet. Let them rest for a while after doing a demanding task.
Also, make it a point to listen to your own body all the time. Be aware of your own limits. If you feel like your feet are starting to hurt, then maybe it is time to let them rest. In addition, find out what causes the pain and discomfort. If it’s your shoe, then maybe it is time to look for a more comfortable one.
Conclusion
Aside from the safety tips already mentioned, you also need to make sure that you focus on your job. Note that inattention might only cause you to encounter accidents that will most likely lead to injury. Furthermore, you have to work at your own pace.
Work steadily based on the most comfortable speed for you so you won’t end up harming yourself, particularly your feet.
