Foot injuries not only affect the ability to move but can also cause serious consequences for workers' health and work. From accidents caused by falling heavy objects, slipping and falling to problems caused by wearing inappropriate shoes, there are many causes of foot injuries. In the article below, An Nhien analyzes the common causes of injuries, and provides effective preventive measures to protect your feet in all situations.

Introduction to the work environment and injury risks

The work environment includes physical spaces such as offices, factories, construction sites and factors such as equipment, lighting conditions, temperature, and safety of the work area. A safe and comfortable work environment will help workers maintain good health, reduce stress and improve work efficiency.

However, the work environment can also potentially cause many risks of injury, seriously affecting the health of workers. These risks can come from physical, chemical, biological, or even psychological factors. Typically, leg injuries at work are a problem that many people face, causing significant impacts on health and work efficiency.

Introduction to the work environment and injury risks

These injuries can happen at any time, in any field of work from construction, manufacturing, to office. Therefore, identifying the factors that cause foot injuries and finding ways to prevent them is extremely important to protect health and maintain labor productivity.

Factors causing foot injuries at work

Foot injuries have a significant impact on work performance and productivity. Typical causes include the following:

1. Physical work injury

Workplace accidents are a major cause of leg injuries. These accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, causing serious damage.

 

• Heavy objects falling on the feet: In many jobs, especially in the construction, warehousing or transportation industries, heavy objects such as rocks, iron, steel, wood, industrial equipment, etc. can fall on the feet of workers or crush their feet, leading to crushed toes, bruises or even broken bones. Such accidents not only damage health but can also cause major disruptions in work.
• Being stabbed in the foot by sharp objects: Jobs in industries such as mechanics, manufacturing, construction often have to deal with hard, sharp, pointed objects or strong moving equipment. If not careful, workers can step on or scrape their feet, causing damage to the soles of their feet and surrounding areas.
• Slipping, falling: Jobs such as mineral exploitation, construction works, etc. require workers to move on rough, rocky surfaces, climb ladders or corrugated iron roofs, wet floors, which can easily cause slipping and falling.
• Trapped or Trapped Feet: Jobs that involve contact with industrial machinery and equipment are also potential causes of foot injuries. Machinery and production lines that are not properly operated or regularly maintained can trap or pull workers’ feet, leading to serious injuries.

 

Physical work injury

2. Chemical injuries

In jobs related to chemicals such as medicine, food factories, chemicals, etc., frequent contact with many types of solutions and chemicals is unavoidable. Chemicals can penetrate the body through the skin, causing damage from mild to severe, even tissue necrosis.

Chemicals that are harmful to the feet:

 

• Acids, bases: These substances are highly corrosive, when in direct contact with the skin, they cause burns, damage the epidermis and dermis
• Organic chemicals: Many types of organic chemicals such as solvents, paints, detergents can cause skin irritation such as redness, itching, blisters, dermatitis, leading to contact dermatitis.
• Heavy metals: Metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium can cause poisoning when exposed for a long time, causing nerve damage, they can be absorbed through the skin into the blood, causing damage to internal organs

 

3. Injuries due to incorrect working posture

Incorrect working posture not only causes temporary pain but also has long-term effects on bones, joints, muscles and increases the risk of injury.

 

• Standing or sitting in one position for a long time: In jobs that require standing for a long time such as cleaning, cooking, warehouse workers or factory workers in some production lines, the legs must bear the body weight for a long time or limit blood circulation. This can lead to muscle fatigue, numbness in the legs, and can even cause venous problems and joint pain.
• Incorrect bending posture: Jobs that require constant bending or working in an uncomfortable position, such as working in a narrow space, or having to bend over frequently, will put pressure on the knee joints and leg bones, leading to pain or the risk of dislocation.

 

4. Injury due to improper movement

Foot injuries can also be caused by improper movement habits, not only causing pain but also having long-term effects on health.

 

• Wearing the wrong shoes: Shoes are an important factor in protecting your feet from injury. However, shoes that do not fit properly, are too tight, or do not provide the right support for each task will cause problems with the muscles and joints of the feet. Inappropriate shoes also increase the risk of sprains or falls. In addition, wearing shoes incorrectly, such as folding the edges of the shoes to make it easier to put your feet on, can also cause unsafe movement.
• Walking or carrying heavy objects in the wrong position: During work, moving a lot or carrying heavy objects in the wrong position will cause stress to the muscles and joints of the feet. This increases the risk of dislocations, sprains, or other injuries.

 

Injury due to improper movement

5. Injuries due to unsafe work environment

Unsafe and unsanitary working environments and lack of adequate protective measures are also causes of foot injury accidents.

 

• Slippery environments: Factory floors, construction sites, warehouses or work areas can become slippery due to grease, water or dirt. If not cleaned and maintained regularly, these areas can easily cause workers to slip and fall.
• Poorly lit work areas: Lack of lighting is one of the dangerous factors in the work environment. When obstacles cannot be clearly seen, the risk of slipping and falling or tripping over hard objects is very high, leading to serious injuries to the feet.

 

6. Injuries from heavy labor

Heavy labor jobs that require carrying, lifting, or performing physical work can cause foot injuries if not performed properly.

 

• Carrying heavy objects, carrying with incorrect technique: Carrying heavy objects without using proper technique, such as bending or twisting, puts stress on the muscles and joints of the legs. This can lead to problems such as osteoarthritis, back and leg pain.
• Long or repetitive work: Jobs that require prolonged standing, walking or repetitive work can also lead to muscle fatigue, osteoarthritis and long-term injury to the legs.

 

How to prevent foot injuries at work

Foot injuries are a very common problem in dangerous work, so in the regulations at work as well as the provisions of the Law on labor safety, the use of protective shoes is a mandatory factor. To protect your feet, apply the following preventive measures:

1. Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment

To protect your feet from dangerous impacts at work, choosing and using suitable safety shoes and boots is essential.

• Use quality safety shoes: Choosing the right safety shoes is essential to protect your feet from accident-causing factors. You should use safety shoes that meet European standards EN ISO 20345 or Vietnamese standards TCVN 7653:2007/BS to ensure safety and comfort. Limit negative impacts from falling heavy objects or the risk of slipping.

When choosing safety shoes, you need to pay attention to reputable brands, suitability for the working environment and your foot size. Regularly checking safety shoes is very important, ensuring that the shoes are not torn, worn, open-toed or the soles are not slippery. If there are signs of damage or no longer ensure quality, you should replace the shoes immediately.

• Other foot protection: In some hazardous jobs, workers may need other foot protection such as rubber boots, ankle guards or knee guards, depending on the specific type of work.

Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment

2. Implement occupational safety measures

The work environment needs to be maintained safe to minimize the risk of foot injuries.

 

• Maintain a clean work environment: Ensure that the factory floor and construction site are not slippery and are always clean. Grease or obstacles on the floor must be cleaned promptly to avoid slipping.
• Post warning signs for dangerous areas: High-risk areas such as areas with operating machinery, slippery floors or obstacles must be clearly posted with warning signs so that workers can proactively avoid them.
• Use safety measures when working with machinery: Machinery and equipment must be regularly maintained and have safety measures such as emergency stop buttons, protective barriers, etc.

 

3. Correct working posture

Correct working posture helps reduce pressure on the body, especially the legs and joints.

 

• Improve standing and sitting posture: Ensure a comfortable working posture, avoid standing or sitting in a fixed position for a long time. Change posture regularly to avoid straining the muscles and joints of the legs.
• Change posture periodically: For jobs that require sitting or standing for a long time, change posture and rest properly. Moving gently or doing stretching exercises while working helps reduce stress on the muscles and joints of the legs.

 

4. Training and education of workers

To reduce work accidents, companies need to organize training courses and educate workers on safety measures and proper working techniques.

Training and education of workers

 

• Safe lifting techniques training: Workers need to be instructed on how to carry and lift heavy objects properly to avoid injury to the body, especially the legs.
• Safety training: Provide safety training courses to help workers identify hazards and take timely precautions.

 

First aid for leg injuries

No matter how careful you are, foot injuries can still happen. When an injury occurs, it is important to treat it promptly and properly to minimize damage.

1. First aid

When you have a foot injury, the first step is to take first aid measures to relieve pain and prevent the condition from becoming more serious. Treatment may include:

 

• Ice: Reduce swelling and relieve pain by applying ice to the injury for about 20 minutes.
• Elevate the leg: Elevate the leg to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Compression bandage: Use a light compression bandage to immobilize the injured area, avoiding excessive movement.

 

First aid for leg injuries

2. When to see a doctor

If the injury is serious, the worker should see a doctor for treatment. Serious signs include:

• Excessive swelling
• Unbearable pain
• Difficulty moving or standing
• Signs of a fracture or dislocation

The doctor will perform the necessary tests and recommend appropriate treatment options such as surgery or physical therapy.

Conclude

Foot injuries during work and labor not only affect health but also affect work efficiency and quality of life of workers. However, with the right preventive measures, from choosing the right protective footwear, improving working posture, to equipping ourselves with safety knowledge, we can completely reduce the risk of foot injuries.

Contact An Nhien company for advice on protective shoes and boots suitable for work, preferences and buy at the best price.