Personal Protective Equipment Foot Protection by Eric Robinson

Personal Protective Equipment Foot Protection by Eric Robinson Safety Manager Interbake Foods Inc.

Who Needs Foot PPE ? Ø For protection of feet from falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces, and wet slippery surfaces workers should use appropriate safety shoes, or boots.

Causes of Foot Problems Ø Ø Foot Problems: Severely aching feet blisters, calluses, corns, hard flooring, rheumatism, arthritis, malformations of toes, fallen arches (flat feet), bunions, sprains Ø Ø Ø Common Causes: Long periods of standing, hard flooring, and poorly fitted footwear: high heals, pointed shoes, lack of arch support, too loose or too tight footwear

Causes of Foot Problems ? Ø Ø Foot Problems: Sweaty feet, fungal infections (Athlete’s Foot) Ø Ø Common Causes: Hot and humid environment, strenuous work, footwear with synthetic (nonporous) uppers

How Does the Working Position Contribute to the Foot Problem ? Ø Since the human foot is designed for mobility, maintaining an upright stance is extremely tiring. Ø Continuos standing can cause the joints of the feet to become mis-aligned (flat feet) and cause inflammation that can later lead to rheumatism and arthritis.

The Human Foot

How Does the Flooring Contribute to the Foot Problems ? Ø Ø The type of flooring used in the work place has an important influence on comfort. Hard unyielding floors like concrete are the least comfortable surfaces to work on. Working on a hard floor has the impact of a hammer, pounding the heel at every step. Slippery floors are hazardous for slips and falls that can result in sprains or broken bones.

How Does the Foot Wear Contribute to the Foot Problems? Ø Foot wear that fits poorly or is in of repair contributes heavily to foot discomfort

Specific Examples of Workplace Foot Injuries Ø Ø Ø Injuries: Crushed or broken feet, amputation of toes or feet Punctures of the sole of the foot Ø Ø Ø Common Causes: Feet trapped between objects or caught in a crack, falls of heavy objects, moving vehicles (lift trucks) Loose nails, sharp metal or glass objects

Specific Examples of Workplace Foot Injures Ø Ø Injuries: Cuts or severed feet or toes Ø Ø Common Causes: Chain saws, rotary mowers Lacerations Ø Unguarded machinery Ø Static electricity, contact with sources of electricity Electric shocks

Specific Examples of Workplace Foot Injuries Ø Injuries: Ø Common Causes: Ø Burns Ø Molten metal splashes, chemical splashes, contact with fire, flammable or explosive atmospheres

Specific Examples of Workplace Foot Injuries Ø Injuries: Ø Common Causes: Ø Sprained or twisted ankles, fractured or broken bones because of slips, trips, or falls Ø Slippery floors, littered walkways, incorrect footwear, poor lighting

How can foot injuries be prevented ? Ø The first step in developing a strategy to reduce foot problems is to identify the relevant hazards at the workplace.

How Can the Job Design Improve Foot Safety ? Ø Aching, flat or tired feet are common among workers who spend most of their working time standing. Ø The most important goal of job design is to avoid fixed positions especially fixed standing positions.

How Can the Job Design Improve Foot Safety ? Ø Job rotation moves workers from one job to another Ø Job enlargement includes more and different tasks in a workers duties Ø Rest breaks, frequent short breaks are preferable to fewer long breaks

How Can the Workplace Design Improve Foot Safety ? Ø For standing jobs, an adjustable work surface is best Ø Work station design should allow the worker room to change body position Ø A foot rail or footrest enables workers to shift weight from one leg to another Ø Where possible a worker should be allowed to work sitting or standing at will

How Can the Kind of Floor Improve Foot Comfort ? Ø Where resilient floors are not practical, foot wear with thick, insulating soles and shock absorbing insoles can alleviate discomfort Ø Anti-fatigue matting

What should I Know About Footwear ? Ø Proper footwear is important, not only for foot comfort but also for one’s general well being. Improper footwear can cause or aggravate existing foot problems.

What Should I Know When I Buy Footwear for Work ? Ø The inner side of the shoe must be straight from the heel to the end of the big toe Ø The shoe must grip the heel firmly Ø the forepart must allow freedom of movement for the toes Ø The shoe must have a fastening across the instep to prevent the foot from slipping when walking

What Should I Know When I Buy Footwear for Work ? Ø Do not expect that footwear which is too tight will stretch with wear Ø have both feet measured. Feet normally differ in size Ø Buy shoes to fit the bigger foot Ø Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size

What Should I Know About Protective Footwear ? Ø The role of Personal Protective Equipment is to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards, not to eliminate them. Protective Footwear does not guarantee total protection

Safety Shoes and Boots Ø Steel Toe footwear protects your toes from falling objects and from being crushed. Ø Metatarsal footwear have special guards that run from your ankle to your toes and protect the entire foot

Safety Shoes and Boots Ø Reinforced sole footwear have metal reinforcement that protects your foot from punctures. Ø Latex/Rubber footwear resists chemicals and provides extra traction on slippery surfaces.

Safety Shoes and Boots Ø PVC footwear protects your feet against moisture and improves traction. Ø Butyl footwear protects against most ketones, aldehydes, alcohol's, acids, salts, and alkalis. Ø Vinyl footwear resists solvents, acids, alkalis, salts, water, grease, and blood.

Safety Shoes and Boots Ø Nitrile footwear resists animal fats, oils and chemicals. Ø Electrostatic Dissipating footwear conducts static electricity to floors that are grounded. Ø Electrical Hazard footwear are insulated with tough rubber to prevent shocks and burns from electricity.

Wearing and Using Safety Footwear Ø Select and use the right kind of footwear for the job you are going to be performing. Footwear should meet or exceed the standards set by ANSI (ANSI Z 41 -1991) Ø Avoid footwear made of leather or cloth if you work around acids or caustics. These chemicals quickly eat through the leather or cloth, and can injure your feet.

Wearing and Using Safety Footwear Ø Select footwear that fits. Ø Inspect your footwear before you use them. Look for holes and cracks that might leak. Ø Replace footwear that is worn or torn. Ø After working with chemicals, hose your footwear with water to rinse away any chemicals or dirt before removing your footwear.

Wearing and Using Safety Footwear Ø Avoid borrowing footwear. Footwear is personal protective equipment. Ø Store footwear in a clean, cool, dry, ventilated area.

Remember Your Feet are one of your greatest assets. Protect them!