The Ergonomics of Foot Protection

We all know the goal of safety footwear is to protect from the accidental injury - the toe-crushing pallet jack wheel, foot-fracturing dropped heavy object, sole-puncturing piece of scrap metal or glass. But if work shoes don't fit properly, the physical consequences compounded every day in the whole body could supersede that protection.

Back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses and are a leading cause of days away from work. More than one million workers suffer back injuries each year. One-fourth of all compensation claims involve back injuries.

Feet are the foundation of the body. Misalignment from the ground up and incorrect distribution of body weight pressure can cause excessive extra stress on joints in the back, spine and legs leading to fatigue, chronic pain and debilitating injury. Feet can fall out of their healthy neutral position for various reasons - weak ankles, fallen or low arches, torn tendons or ligaments, arthritis, ill-fitting footwear.

The great news is that properly fitted work boots can prevent and help protect from chronic back pain, and even help compensate for other factors that lead to back injury such as heavy lifting and repetitive movements. When wearing accurate fitting supportive shoes that maintain proper body alignment, reduce stress on joints and provide proper stability, the body is less likely to perform an incorrect lift or to notice the repetition as stressful.

Getting the right fit can be tricky. Selection is key. All brands are built differently, constructed on different lasts, so the more options workers can choose from will increase their likelihood of finding their perfect fit.

Women should never be wearing a man's shoe. Women's feet are not simply reduced versions of men's feet. They are traditionally narrower, have a higher arch and shallower big toe, are wider at the forefoot and slenderer at the ankle and heel. Employers can save women workers from back pain by providing them access to work boots built specifically for them.

Access to innovative foot measuring like 3D scanners will help identify existing issues to recommend footwear that addresses them to reduce and prevent back pain.

In addition to a proper fit, work boots can be specifically constructed with elements to also help relieve and prevent back pain such as a shank for extra arch support, foam midsoles to absorb body-weight impact and shock, heel lock stabilizers to help maintain alignment, and premium insoles for cushioned constructive support. However, it is important to note that when a shoe fits incorrectly, all these elements will be ill-positioned and ineffective. Wear a half size too large to accommodate for a wide foot and the incorrectly placed arch support could do more harm than good.

Employee safety goes beyond the potential accident on day 267 to wellness protection every day 1 through 267 and beyond. With the National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM) moving towards setting higher safety standards for total worker health and wellness, companies are stressed to offer protection beyond compliance. Ensuring workers get a properly fitted pair of work boots to avoid chronic back pain and injury will do just that.