On the fourth day of industrial ergonomics, my favorite ergonomist gave to me…strategies for preventing foot, leg, and back pain, and a $20 Visa gift card!
Welcome back to DORN’s 12 Days of Industrial Ergonomics blog series, where we’re giving away daily prizes and sharing helpful tips to integrate into your safety programs. Remember to share this blog post on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok or X (Twitter) and tag the DORN account to be entered to win. Tag safety colleagues and share on multiple platforms for more chances to take home the daily prize. Thomas Johnston, the winner from Day 3 of the 12 Days of Ergonomics, did an incredible job —check out his post!
Today’s post deals with a common challenge for workers in virtually every sector, from warehouses and factories to healthcare facilities and construction sites: foot, leg, and back fatigue and pain. Employees who work on their feet for long periods are prone to experiencing pain and fatigue, which can be exacerbated by worn-out footwear and other problems. It can be helpful to think of workers as industrial athletes, because, like runners and other players, their activities strain their extremities, making quality footwear essential.
Here are a few signs to watch for that may indicate your shoes need replacing or upgrading.
- Foot or leg pain. Worn-out shoes lose their cushioning and ankle support over time.
- Loss of tread on the sole. Like with car tires, losing the tread on your shoes can diminish your traction while working, making slips and falls more likely.
- Visible damage: In addition to signaling that your shoes are worn out, visible holes also leave your feet vulnerable to injury from rough terrain or other environmental hazards.
- Persistent odor: Smelly shoes can indicate the presence of a fungus, which can cause irritation and pain.
There’s also a simple intervention that employers can use to help prevent foot, leg, and back fatigue and pain: anti-fatigue mats. These soft, padded mats can be placed at workstations where employees stand to perform their tasks for long periods, helping to reduce strain on the foot, improve circulation, and prevent back pain. Anti-fatigue mats also reduce other kinds of inflammation and can even help mitigate the risk of cardiac issues and varicose veins.
Watch this Safety Minute video from DORN’s Cheryl Roy for a quick rundown on ways to prevent foot, leg, and back fatigue.
Thank you for joining us for the 12 Days of Industrial Safety! Remember to share this post on social media to be entered to win today’s prize: a $20 Visa gift card!
