Foot Safety On and Off the Job

Your ability to use your feet safely, with ease and comfort, is vital if you are to remain a valuable and productive worker.  When your job requires you to stand on your feet fr long periods, work in potentially hazardous areas or with potentially hazardous materials, you have some risk of ft injury.  However, you can do a lot to prevent injuries by keeping your feet healthy and following safe work practices.

Off-the-Job

• There are a few simple things you should do:
• Bathe your feet daily; dry them thoroughly.
• Check your feet frequently for corns, calluses, cracks.
• Keep your feet warm.
• Trim your toenails straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe.
• Prevent foot problems by visiting our chiropodists as part of your annual health check-up.
• Wear protective footwear when using lawnmowers, chainsaw, and moving heavy objects.

 

On-the-Job

• It is important for you to develop safe work habits and attitudes.  Some things to remember:
• Be aware of the hazards of your job and the proper protective measures to take.
• Don't take chances or unnecessary risks.  Take time to
• Follow the rules.  Don't cut corners.  Use your equipment as specified.
• Do your job right.
• Be alert.  Watch for hidden hazards.
• Be considerate.  Watch out for other workers' safety.
• Concentrate on the job.  Inattention can lead to accidents.
• Pace yourself.  Work steadily at a comfortable speed.
• Keep your work area clean and your tools in their place.

 

Protective Footwear is Essential

 

Safety shoes and boots protect your feet, help prevent injuries to them, and reduce the severity of injuries that do occur in the workplace.

 

The foot is the most valuable part of your body subjected to injury in industry.  Because of the many potential work hazards, it is important that you discuss with your supervisor the safety shoe, boot, or other protective equipment that you need for your protection.

 

If Your Feet are Injured at Work

 

Report any injury to your foreman or supervisor promptly for necessary first aid.  Then see our chiropodists if further treatment is recommended.  Proper foot care improves your efficiency and keeps you on the job.

 

Chiropodists are specialists who treat foot disorders and injuries medically and surgically.  By visiting our chiropodists regularly, you can insure for yourself a lifetime of pain-free feet.

Posted via email from Northumberland Physiotherapy and Foot Care Centre's posterous