When you’re at work, it’s always best to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment that you’ve been told is required for your job. You need to be aware of slip-and-fall hazards, sharp areas on the ground and objects that could pierce the skin or cause lacerations.
Foot injuries are potentially devastating, but they are still a risk in most workplaces. Do you know the hazards to watch for? Here are a few that you should know about.
- Rolling or falling objects
One of the things to watch out for in your workplace is a rolling or falling object. Something like a falling tool or a heavy rolling cylinder has the potential to cause serious crushing injuries to your foot. If the bones are broken or crushed, you may need to seek medical attention and could even require surgery.
- Tripping hazards
Another thing to watch out for is a trip hazard. For example, stairs with gaps that could catch the toe of your shoe or debris in an office hallway could lead to falls that cause broken bones, sprains or other issues.
- Bad shoes
Yes, even your shoes could be a hazard for you at work. Shoes that don’t have good support are more likely to cause repetitive-strain injuries to your feet. Orthopedic inserts and innersoles may help you avoid injuries to your feet from standing or walking for hours on end.
- Sharp objects
Finally, there are the sharp objects that you should be looking out for. Whether you’re working in a kitchen with sharp knives or you’re in an industrial setting where there are sharp blades, you need to make sure that your feet stay clear of those dangerous edges and sharp points. Many people in these environments benefit from having steel-toe boots since they protect against sharp objects that may fall from above or hit from the side.
These are a few things to watch out for in your workplace. If you do injure your foot, remember that you may be able to seek workers’ compensation and get the medical care you need to focus on your recovery.