| The crippling cost and distress to employees of | | | | • Burns resulting from chemical and molten |
| foot injuries, has prompted most nations, including | | | | metal splashes or other flammable and explosive |
| the UK, to implement strict mandatory policies | | | | materials are frequent in the mining and |
| which enable effective protective strategies in the | | | | manufacture of heavy metals and the production |
| workplace. | | | | of chemicals. |
| Fortunately these measures have paid huge | | | | • Electric shocks can be caused by static |
| dividends as can be seen in the Canadian | | | | electricity or direct contact with the source. |
| construction industry where foot injury was | | | | Unprotected construction workers and electricians |
| reduced by a whopping 60% when protective | | | | are often victims. |
| footwear was introduced. | | | | • Sprains, fractures and broken bones can |
| Although we often associate foot injury with | | | | occur literally anywhere where there's a slippery |
| dangerous work environments; blisters, flat feet, | | | | floor, cluttered walkway or simply inadequate |
| dropped arches and aches and pains, associated | | | | lighting. Teachers, shop assistants and office |
| with long periods of standing, all take their toll and | | | | workers are not excluded from foot injury! |
| can lead to unproductive staff and burgeoning | | | | Today, there is a diverse range of UK safety |
| absenteeism. | | | | footwear which provides guaranteed protection in |
| Interestingly enough it's not lacerations, | | | | the workplace, adheres to European safety |
| amputations, crushings and punctures of the toes | | | | standards and is attractive too. |
| or feet which claim the most victims, it's ‘slips | | | | • Steel-toed boots designed to protect the top |
| and trips' which account for the highest number | | | | of the feet. Polycarbonate-fibre toecaps are as |
| of work-related injuries across all industrial | | | | efficient. |
| sectors, accounting for 2 million sick days per | | | | • Safety boots and shoes with impact |
| year! | | | | protection. Dual density impact absorbing soles and |
| Common injuries sustained during the work day, | | | | padded polyurethane ankle collars, for additional |
| when no workplace footwear is provided, include: | | | | support and protection, do the trick. |
| • Crushed feet, broken bones and amputations | | | | • Safety trainers and shoes with puncture |
| of toes and feet. These types of injuries are | | | | protection. Flexible anti-perforation midsoles are |
| prevalent in construction, logging, longshore, fishing | | | | effective. |
| and oil rig operations. | | | | • Protective footwear with anti-static rubber |
| • Punctures to the soles of the feet. Any | | | | soles, waterproof leather uppers and breathable |
| employee working with nails, wire, staples and | | | | inner linings. |
| scrap metal is vulnerable. | | | | Remember to identify the potential hazards in the |
| • Cuts, lacerations and severed toes can be | | | | work place before selecting protective footwear |
| the result of working with chain saws, rotary | | | | for your staff. Then simply choose from a wide |
| mowers or other machinery without adequate | | | | range of affordable, comfortable and, fashionable, |
| protection. | | | | UK safety footwear. |