Footcare is often overlooked when we consider health & safety in the workplace. It is seen as trivial and unimportant compared to other safety issues. This is wrong considering how important our feet are to us.
Our feet are one the most utilised parts of the human body. They are constantly under stress as we go about our normal working lives.
Our feet work for us the whole day, whether we stand, run, or walk, and in the process they become the most affected part of our anatomy.
Many things affect the condition of our feet: activity level, occupation type, other health conditions, and perhaps most importantly, our shoes.
Feet are often neglected, as people are unaware of the damage that can be caused to them in day-to-day life.
Being in a working environment where you are on your feet all day is a major cause of foot problems, as the feet have little time to recuperate before the next working day commences.
People may suffer from pain in their back, legs and knees but may not associate the pain with problems concerning their feet. Untreated, such problems can lead to more long-term conditions such as chronic back pain and ligament deformity.
Punctures, crushing and lacerations
Usually due to incorrect footwear and untidy workplace practices e.g. loose nails or glass left uncleared.
Blisters, calluses and corns
Caused by incorrect footwear and fatigue. Especially prevalent in professions that involve continuous standing and walking.
Aching feet
Can be caused by long periods of standing on hard flooring with inadequate shoes with hard footbeds.
Fallen arches or flat feet
Caused by the wearing of shoes or insoles without adequate levels of arch support.
Sweaty feet
Generally a problem for workers in hot and humid environments or those with highly strenuous jobs.
Sprains and breaks
Caused by slippery floors and incorrect footwear.
