FOOT SAFETY

TibiaSoleus

Extensor digitorum longus andT d f

Tendon fromperonaeus longus(extends under footto base of 1stmetatarsal)

Peronaeus brevis

Talus Extensor digitorum brevis

Extensor digitorum longus andperonaeus tertius

Tendon fromgastrocnemius

Calcaneus

Cuboid Metatarsals PhalangesAbductor hallucis andflexor hallucis brevis

INTRODUCTION

Wh i F t P t ti I t t?Why is Foot Protection Important?The human foot is rigid enough to support g g ppthe weight of your entire body, and yet fl ibl h ll dflexible enough to allow you to run, dance, play sports, and to take you anywhere youplay sports, and to take you anywhere you want to go. Without your feet and toes, your ability to work at your job would be greatly reducedgreatly reduced.

CAUSES OF FOOT PROBLEMS

Foot Problems: Common Causes:• Severely aching feet

blisters calluses• Hot and humid

environment strenuousblisters, calluses, corns, hard flooring, rheumatism arthritis

environment, strenuous work, footwear with synthetic (non-porous)rheumatism, arthritis,

malformations of toes, fallen arches (flat feet)

synthetic (non porous) uppers

• Long periods of standingfallen arches (flat feet), bunions, sprains

• Sweaty feet fungal

• Long periods of standing, hard flooring, and poorly fitted footwear:• Sweaty feet, fungal

infections (Athlete’s Foot)

fitted footwear:• high heals, pointed shoes,

l k f h t tFoot) lack of arch support, too loose or too tight footwear

FOOT HAZARDS 1

Potential Incidences of Foot Hazards• Impact Injuries• Impact Injuries

– At work, heavy objects can fall on your feet. If you work around sharp objects, you can step on something sharp and puncture your foot

• Injuries from Spills and Splashes– Liquids such as acids caustics and molten metals can– Liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals can

spill into your shoes and boots. These hazardous materials can cause chemical and heat burns

• Compression Injuries– Heavy machinery, equipment, and other objects can roll

over your feet. The result of these types of accidents isover your feet. The result of these types of accidents is often broken or crushed bones

FOOT HAZARDS 2

Potential Incidences of Foot HazardsE t i C ld H t d M i t• Extremes in Cold, Heat, and Moisture– If not protected, your feet can suffer from

frostbite if you must work in an extremely coldfrostbite if you must work in an extremely cold environment. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can blister and burn your feet. Finally, extremecan blister and burn your feet. Finally, extreme moisture in your shoes or boots can lead to fungal infections

• Slipping– Oil, water, soaps, wax, and other chemicals can

cause you to slip and fall• Electrical Shocks

– Accidents involving electricity can cause severe shocks and burns

CONTROL OF HAZARDS• Housekeeping

– Poorly maintained machinery, tools, sloppy work areas, and cluttered aisles all contribute to foot injuries

• SignsIdentify temporary slip/trip areas– Identify temporary slip/trip areas

Proper Fit and Use of PPE• Select and use the right kind of footwear for the job you are going to

be performing. – Proper fit– Correct protection for job task

• Inspect your footwear before you use them– Look for holes and cracks that might leak g– Replace footwear that are worn or torn

• When working with chemicals– hose your footwear with water to rinse away any chemicals or dirthose your footwear with water to rinse away any chemicals or dirt

before removing your footwear • Store footwear in a clean, cool, dry, ventilated area

SAFETY SHOES

I t i t t t d h t• Impact-resistant toes and heat-resistant soles protect against hot surfaces common in roofing andsurfaces common in roofing and paving

• Some have metal insoles to protect against puncture wounds

• May be electrically conductive for use in explosive atmospheres orin explosive atmospheres, or nonconductive to protect from workplace electrical hazards

Safety Shoes and Bootsy• Steel Toe footwear protects your toes from falling objects and from being

crushed.• Metatarsal footwear have special guards that run from your ankle to your

toes and protect the entire foot• Reinforced sole footwear have metal reinforcement that protects your footReinforced sole footwear have metal reinforcement that protects your foot

from punctures.• Latex/Rubber footwear resists chemicals and provides extra traction on

slippery surfacesslippery surfaces.• PVC footwear protects your feet against moisture and improves traction.• Butyl footwear protects against most ketones, aldehydes, alcohol's, acids,

lt d lk lisalts, and alkalis.• Vinyl footwear resists solvents, acids, alkalis, salts, water, grease, and

blood• Nitrile footwear resists animal fats, oils and chemicals.• Electrostatic Dissipating footwear conducts static electricity to floors that

are grounded.g• Electrical Hazard footwear are insulated with tough rubber to prevent

shocks and burns from electricity.

Using Safety Footwearg y• Select footwear that fits.• Inspect your footwear before you use them. Look for

holes and cracks that might leak.g• Replace footwear that is worn or torn.• Avoid footwear made of leather or cloth if you work• Avoid footwear made of leather or cloth if you work

around acids or caustics. These chemicals quickly eat through the leather or cloth and can injure youreat through the leather or cloth, and can injure your feet.Aft ki ith h i l h f t• After working with chemicals, hose your footwear with water to rinse away any chemicals or dirt before

i f tremoving your footwear.

CONCLUSION

• Task being performed• Task being performed• Environmental conditions present

• Expected duration of exposure• Actual or potential hazards identifiedActual or potential hazards identified

• PPE required to be usedY F t f t t tYour Feet are one of your greatest assets.

Protect them!