The importance of safety footwear in the workplace cannot be underestimated. A staggering 25% of all disability claims, worldwide, relate to foot injuries. In the US alone, more than 100,000 workplace foot injuries occur each year, with an estimated cost of $1 billion.
The crippling cost and employee anguish of foot injuries has led most nations, including the UK, to implement strict mandatory policies that allow for effective protection strategies in the workplace. Fortunately, these measures have paid big dividends, as can be seen in the Canadian construction industry, where foot injuries were reduced by 60% when protective footwear was introduced.
Although we often associate foot injuries with dangerous work environments; Blisters, flat feet, fallen arches, and aches and pains associated with long periods of standing all take their toll and can lead to unproductive staff and increased absenteeism.
Interestingly, it’s not lacerations, amputations, crushing and punctures of the toes or feet that claim the most victims, it’s ‘slip and trip’ that account for the largest number of work related injuries in all industrial sectors, representing 2 million sick days. by year!
Common injuries sustained during the workday, when work footwear is not provided, include:
• Crushed feet, broken bones, and toe and toe amputations. These types of injuries are common in construction operations, logging, port operations, fishing, and oil rigs.
• Punctures in the soles of the feet. Any employee who works with nails, wire, staples, and scrap metal is vulnerable.
• Cuts, lacerations, and severed fingers can be the result of working with chainsaws, rotary lawn mowers, or other machinery without proper protection.
• Burns resulting from chemical splashes and molten metals or other flammable and explosive materials are common in heavy metal mining and manufacturing, and in chemical production.
• Electrical discharges can be caused by static electricity or direct contact with the source. Construction workers and unprotected electricians are often victims.
• Sprains, fractures, and broken bones can literally happen anywhere there is a slippery floor, a cluttered hallway, or simply inadequate lighting. Teachers, store clerks, and office workers are not exempt from foot injuries!
Today there is a wide range of UK safety footwear that provides guaranteed protection in the workplace, meets European safety standards and looks good too.
• Steel toed boots designed to protect the tops of the feet. Polycarbonate fiber dropouts are just as efficient.
• Safety boots and shoes with impact protection. Dual-density shock absorbing soles and polyurethane padded ankles, for added support and protection, do the trick.
• Trainers and safety shoes with protection against punctures. Flexible anti-puncture midsoles are effective.
• Protective footwear with antistatic rubber sole, waterproof leather upper and breathable inner lining.
Remember to identify potential hazards in the workplace before selecting protective footwear for your personnel. Then simply choose from a wide range of affordable, comfortable and fashionable UK safety footwear!
