Foot Care on the Job / Workmen's Comp

Protect Your Feet

Foot Care on the Job / Workmen's Comp Protect Your FeetYour ability to use your feet safely, with ease and comfort, is vital if you are to remain a valuable and productive worker.When your job requires you to stand on your feet for long periods, work in potentially hazardous areas or with potentially hazardous materials, you have some risk of foot injury. However, you can do a lot to prevent injuries by keeping your feet healthy and following safe work practices.

In any given year, there are about 120,000 job-related foot injuries, one-third of them toe injuries, according to the National Safety Council. You can't take your feet for granted! And your concern for them cannot be divided; it should continue off the job, as well as at work.

Off the Job

There are a few simple things you should do:

1. Bathe your feet daily; dry them thoroughly.
2. Check your feet frequently for corns, calluses, cracks.
3. Keep your feet warm.
4. Trim your toenails straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe.
5. Prevent foot problems by visiting your podiatrist as part of your annual health check-up.
6. Wear protective footwear when using lawnmowers, chain-saws, and moving heavy objects.

On the Job

It is important for you to develop safe work habits and attitudes. Some things to remember:

1. Be aware of the hazards of your job and the proper protective measures to take.
2. Don't take chances or unnecessary risks. Take time to do your job right.
3. Be alert. Watch for hidden hazards.
4. Be considerate. Watch out for other workers' safety.
5. Follow the rules. Don't cut corners. Use your equipment as specified.
6. Concentrate on the job. Inattention can lead to accidents.
7. Pace yourself. Work steadily at a comfortable speed.
8. Keep your work area clean and your tools in their place.

Protective Footwear Is Essential

1. HAZARD: falling and rolling objects, cuts and punctures
   PROTECTION: steel-toe safety shoes; add-on devices: metatarsal guards, metal foot guards, puncture-proof inserts,shin guards.
2. HAZARD: chemicals, solvents
   PROTECTION: footwear with synthetic stitching, and made of rubber, vinyl or plastic.
3. HAZARD: electric current
   PROTECTION: shoes or boots with rubber soles, and heels, no metal parts and insulated steel toes
4. HAZARD: extreme cold
   PROTECTION: shoes or boots with moisture- or oil-resistant insulation, and that can repel water (if this is a problem); insulated socks
5. HAZARD: extreme heat and direct flame
   PROTECTION: overshoes or boots of fire-resistant materials with wooden soles
6. HAZARD: high voltage
   PROTECTION: shoes with rubber or cork heels and soles, and no exposed metal parts
7. HAZARD: hot surfaces
   PROTECTION: safety shoes with wooden or other heat-resistant soles; wooden sandals overshoes.
8. HAZARD: sanitation contamination
   PROTECTION: special plastic booties or overshoes; paper or wood shower sandals.
9. HAZARD: slips and skids (from wet, oily shoes with wooden soles or cleated, surfaces)
   PROTECTION: non-slip rubber or neoprene soles; non-skid sandals that slip over shoes; strap-on cleats for icy surfaces.
10. HAZARD: sparking (from metal shoe parts)
    PROTECTION: safety shoes with no metal parts and non-sparking material.
11. HAZARD: sparks, molten metal splashes
    PROTECTION: foundry boots with elastic sides (that get inside shoes) or quick- release buckles for speedy removal.
12. HAZARD: static electricity
    PROTECTION: shoes or boots with heels and soles of cork or leather.
13. HAZARD: wetness
    PROTECTION: lined rubber shoes or boots; rubbers or shoes of silicone-treated leather

If Your Feet are Injured at Work

WORKMAN'S COMP
North Bay Foot & Ankle Center specializes in Workmen's Compensation injuries. Our goal is to treat the injury thoroughly so that you do not have any residual disabilities. Our rehabilitation program assures you of early diagnosis and treatment. We work with your Workmen's Compensation carrier to assure a timely and efficient treatment plan. Most patients' respond favorably and quickly and can return to work better than they were before