Foot Protection

Know Your Feet

Our feet are comprised of 26 bones for support and 38 joints for movement in each foot. Our feet also have blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, and nerves, which is why it hurts so much when we drop something on them or stub our toe. Protective footwear is designed to protect our feet from hazards like sharp objects, heat, cold, falling objects, slippery surfaces, or exposure to corrosive chemicals.

A large portion of work-related foot injuries can be broken down into two categories:

1. Punctures, crushing, sprains and lacerations

2. Slips, trips and falls

Safety Ratings

There are many forms and styles of foot protection available on the market, anything from rubber boots, running shoes, dress shoes, winter boots, hiking boots, metatarsal protection to boots built with 4”, 6” and 8” ankle protection. Once you have a style picked for the task at hand, it is important to know how the ratings are structured.

Legislation

According to Section 7-11 in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, where a worker is exposed to a risk from a heavy or falling object or who may tread on a sharp object, they must use approved protective footwear. An employer or contractor shall also ensure that:

• a worker uses footwear that is appropriate to the risks associated with the worker’s place of employment and occupation

• a worker who may be at risk from a heavy or falling object or who may tread on a sharp object uses approved protective footwear

• approved protective footwear must be worn if the feet of a worker may be endangered by hot, corrosive, or toxic substances

Proper Footwear for the Hazard

Assess the workplace and work activities for:

• type of walking surface and environmental conditions workers may be exposed to (e.g., loose ground cover, smooth surfaces, temperature, wet/oily, chemicals, etc.)

• risk of coming into contact with energized conductors of low to moderate voltage (e.g., 220volts or less)

• risk of objects falling onto or striking the feet

• any material or equipment that might roll over, cut, puncture, or penetrate the feet

Take a good look at your work shoes. Are they right for the hazards at your workplace?

Remember: as an occupational athlete, you need the right footwear to perform optimally and safely.