Buyers Guide 2023

Y ou could say that feet are one of the most hard-working yet, most neglected parts of our bodies. We take it for granted that they will keep us upright, balanced and mobile. Yet, we only ever seem to pay them attention when something goes wrong. As always, prevention is better than cure, and there are many ways we can help ensure we put our best feet forward when it comes to foot health. 1. Familiarise yourself with foot injuries Feet are susceptible to all sorts of injuries, and even relatively minor conditions can cause significant suffering and impair our ability to work. Common injuries to the feet include fractures, sprains, punctures or cuts and lacerations. In some workplaces, chemical or thermal burns are also possible, along with issues associated with working in extreme weather, such as frostbite. Conditions such as blisters, bunions, fungal infections, fallen arches and plantar fasciitis are often more debilitating than you think and can lead to chronic issues if not prevented or treated correctly. 2. Identify workplace hazards Uneven surfaces, obstacles, trailing cables, wet or slippery surfaces and changes in levels can result in slips, trips & falls. Upturned nails and other sharp objects can cause puncture wounds, and in workplaces where chemicals are in use, the risk of burns from spillages increases. Feet are also vulnerable to cuts and lacerations from machinery and power tools, while unstable, heavy objects may cause crushing injuries. Prolonged standing can result in foot conditions such as varicose veins, swelling, bunions and fallen arches. Meanwhile, standing for long periods directly on hard surfaces, such as concrete, can cause plantar fasciitis. 3. Select the right safety footwear Where a risk cannot be eliminated, substituted or workers isolated away from the hazard then safety footwear is likely to be required. Any environment where there is a risk of slipping requires anti-slip shoes, where there is a risk of standing on sharp objects, then puncture-resistant soles are needed, and safety footwear is always needed where feet could be crushed or caught in machinery. According to ISO 20345:2021 the 34 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2023 Handling & Safety Matters Focus on: PPE Alex Minett, Head of Products & Markets at CHAS, looks at what employers and employees need to consider to protect feet at work. Six steps to happier feet in the workplace