Preventing foot injuries in the workplace

Foot injuries and disorders are one of the most common reasons for discomfort or loss of productivity in business. The simple truth is that most of those injuries are preventable. Occupational health specialist Sandra Hardee, MD, offered advice on preventing foot injuries in the workplace.

What are the most common foot-related problems at workplaces?

“It’s very common, especially in businesses where employees spend a lot of time on their feet, to see people struggling with conditions like plantar fasciitis, fatigue-related edema and trauma related to slips and falls.”

Other common occupational foot injuries or conditions include:

• Metatarsalgia: Causes painful swelling and irritation in the ball of the foot
• Achilles tendinopathy: Results in pain and stiffness along the back of your ankle and calf
• Callus formation: A protective thickening of skin caused by friction and overuse
• Crush injuries: Could result in severe bruising or fractures
• Puncture wounds: A cause of potential blood exposure within the workplace

“Left untreated, these conditions contribute to employees missing more work, filing more claims for workers’ compensation and struggling to meet expectations and performance goals.”

What steps should employers take to help prevent foot injuries?

“You’ll want to offer a structured program for preventing foot injuries that lines up not just with the demands of the job, but also with OSHA’s standards for foot protection,” said Dr. Hardee. “Employees should be required to wear footwear that fits the potential risks of their job, like puncture-resistant midsoles or slip-resistant shoes.”

In many cases, businesses find it a good investment to provide the kind of shoes that best protect their employees. For example, a specific business may offer one pair of safety shoes per year at no charge to every employee to make sure they meet OSHA requirements. When you compare this cost to the cost of workers’ compensation claims or time spent out of work due to injury, providing footwear is a good investment.

What standards should protective shoes meet for workplace use?

“ASTM International ratings provide a validated, industry-standard benchmark for protective footwear performance,” said Dr. Hardee. Footwear should provide the right level of arch support, cushioning and heel stability.”

For employees with prolonged standing or walking, evidence supports the use of anti-fatigue mats, scheduled micro-breaks and job rotation to reduce strain on your body.

“Stretching programs targeting the legs and feet can further lower the risk of workplace injury,” said Dr. Hardee. “Supportive insoles may reduce plantar pressure and improve comfort, particularly shoes with contoured arch support and shock-absorbing materials.”

Education and information are key

Employers should educate workers to routinely inspect footwear for wear and structural breakdown. Work shoes should be replaced when the tread is worn, the amount of support your foot is receiving becomes less than ideal or you start feeling discomfort. Generally, this means about every six to 12 months, depending on how intense your job may be.

“Building the protection of foot health and preventing foot injuries into your workplace safety and wellness program is important,” said Dr. Hardee. “Informing your employees about these steps is essential, too. Both offer low-cost, high-impact strategies to keep your employees healthy and productive over time.”