Depending on your profession, there may be a variety of foot hazards that could cause you trouble at some point. If you are not familiar with these, there is a better chance that you could suffer an injury in the future.
Here are some of the many foot hazards to learn more about (and protect against):
- Falling and rolling objects. This can result in crushed or broken feet, or in the most serious of situations, amputation. The best way to protect against this is to wear steel footwear.
- Extreme cold. In New York, for example, workers are often outdoors in extremely cold weather. This can result in frostbite and other types of permanent tissue damage. Insulated footwear is an absolute must.
- Slips and falls. Any type of slip and fall, regardless of the cause, can lead to a foot or ankle injury. Safety shoes that protect against slipping can help prevent this type of accident.
These are just a few of the many foot hazards that often come into play on a job site. While each of these is extremely dangerous, it’s good to know that there are steps you can take to remain safe.
If you suffer any type of foot injury on a job site, the first thing you should do is call for help. You may need to administer first aid until an ambulance arrives or you make your way to the emergency room. From there, if you are unable to return to work in the near future, you may want to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Source: Occupational Health & Safety, “A Cure for Common Foot Hazards,” accessed Sep. 13, 2017