PPE Catalogue CYMOT PPE CAT 2018 (Final) | Page 128

FOOT PROTECTION
Why you need to protect your feet
FOOT PROTECTION
Professional Range
Some of the most common foot injuries that occur in the workplace include:
Crushed feet, broken bones and loss of toes.
These injuries are more common in the construction industry but also can happen in the logging and fishing industry as well.
Puncture wounds to the feet.
If nails, staples or even scrap metal is used, this can happen when the proper safety footwear is not worn.
Cuts, lacerations and severed toes are common for those who work with machinery.
Burns can happen from chemicals or hot metal splashes.
Electric shocks are common for electricians and construction workers.
Sprains and fractures can happen in any workplace and are a result of slips, trips and falls.
Foot care is important!
Your feet are used to perform a variety of work-related tasks, such as climbing ladders, operating certain agricultural machinery, or
walking the fields during planting and harvest.
Yet, some people neglect their feet by being careless on the job. For example, they jump off of tractors or other moving equipment,
don’t wear the proper footwear, or don’t watch where they walk.
As a result,feet or ankles may wind up with sprains, fractures and other serious injuries that can keep a person off the job and result
in lost income for days or even weeks or months.
Amputation may occur if a loose pants, leg, or shoelace gets caught in a power takeoff unit (PTO), or if your feet are crushed by farm
machinery.
Knowing how to avoid injuring your feet will help prevent serious incidents that can linger with you the rest of your life.
Watch your step!
• The ground at nurseries, farms and other agricultural operations is rarely level and may have numerous slopes, uneven ground,
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and loose gravel.
That means you need to always watch where you are walking to avoid twisting and spraining your ankles or feet.
When walking, make sure there are no nails from pallets, barbed wire or other sharp objects in your path that could cause
puncture wounds. Also, watch out for sharp rocks.
When operating tractors and other machinery, be sure all steps are free of mud, oil, ice, and other debris that may cause you
to slide off, land awkwardly on your feet, and lead to serious injuries.
Be aware of all moving equipment in the workplace and stay out of the way to avoid getting your feet crushed by a forklift,
wagon, shifting stacks, or other equipment.
Also,never use your foot to unjam a clogged machine. Instead, notify your supervisor of the problem.
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Wear the right footwear
• Always wear comfortable footwear with proper padding that will provide good arch support and reduce stress on your toes and
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balls of your feet, especially if you are working on a concrete floor.
Do not wear sandals or other footwear that exposes any part of the foot while you are on the job. Wearing shoes or boots that
cover the entire foot reduces the risk of cuts, as well as exposure to soil or chemicals.
Make sure your shoes are the right size, to avoid ingrown toenails. One-half size too large is better than one-half size too small.
If you climb a ladder to pick fruit or perform other tasks, always wear rubber-soled shoes that will provide a good grip on the
rungs. Do not wear leather-soled shoes that may cause you to slip.
Know that some jobs may require steel-toed shoes or boots.
Keep in mind that wearing the right footwear can also prevent other injuries besides those to the feet. For example, if you fall
because you are wearing poor fitting shoes, you may also injure your back, shoulders and other parts of the body.
More important points
• Never jump from agricultural machinery, motor vehicles or other equipment, because an awkward landing may result in a
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twisted or broken ankle or foot. Slowly climb up and down equipment. When possible, add steps to vehicles when the first step is
too high off the ground.
Make sure you have a good grip on any heavy objects you lift or carry, so you don’t drop them on your toes or feet. Wearing
steel- toed shoes is recommended if you do a lot of heavy lifting.
Don’t let your feet or legs get too close to PTOs, augers or other moving parts.
Make sure you wear clean socks made of breathable cotton or wool every day. This will help reduce your risk of athlete’s foot
and dermatitis.
If you suffer any type of foot injury, report it to your supervisor.
128 CYMOT Personal Protective Equipment
Foot Protection
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