Starting From the Top: 4 Things to Know About Workplace Foot Injuries

DID YOU KNOW– 1 in 10 of all disabling injuries in the workplace in Canada happen to workers feet? Here are 4 things to know that can help you protect your employees from the most serious category of foot injury

#1 – WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR? According to OHSA : The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.

Here’s a quick look at the ins and outs of mitigating injury for the first “area” OHSA identifies: Danger due to falling or rolling objects.

#2 – WHOSE AT RISK? The workers most likely to be at risk of injury from falling or rolling objects are labourers, tradespeople and machine operators. The injury will likely affect the metatarsals of their feet. Most metatarsal injuries occur in the manufacturing, fabrication, construction, transportation, logistics, storage, retail, trade and property services industries.

#3 – WHAT CAN INJURY LOOK LIKE? The Metatarsals are a group of 5 bones on the top of the foot that extend to the toes   They work like levers when walking or running and aid in balance. They have VERY little soft tissue to protect them so can be easily injured and can take weeks to heal.

#4 – WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? Safety footwear with metatarsal protection or “Metguards” can help protect from direct trauma.  Metguards fit over the instep adding an additional layer of protection for the foot from heavy weights. They are built directly into work boots and safety shoes that indicate they include Metguards. There are both external and internal Metguard design options in work boots and safety shoes.

To make sure you and your employees know how to identify a Metguard work boot or safety shoe here’s what the CSA symbol looks like and will be clearly marked on the footwear.

 

At Mister Safety Shoes we carry a wide range of “metguard” work boots and safety shoes and our expert consultants can help you navigate the best options for your industry, business and employees.