Fooled by the foot

Ask anybody which body part they would like to lose the least, it is very likely that they will mention their foot. Nevertheless, our statistics showed that, an alarming high number of incidents are still reported about employees getting injured on their foot.

It doesn't come as a surprise that a high number of foot injuries that were recorded, happened in the iron and steel industry. It is understandable because it is an industry where labour is intensive and involves handling and moving heavy metal parts.

There are a number of industries where foot injuries could be considered unlikely to occur compared to other obvious threats. The number of foot injuries in the chemical industry almost matches with that of hand injuries. Given the fact that hands are more in contact with dangerous chemicals than feet, it is a statistic that is worrisome to note.

In a recent post, I discussed an employee who got seriously injured when a horse step on his foot. The employee, eventually, lost his big toe because it had to be amputated, which not only left him disfigured but also made forced him into an early and un-anticipated end of his career.

This could have been avoided if the employer had made sure that the employee had worn the special safety shoes before commencement of his duties. These shoes, which come in various shapes for various purposes should be sound quality to serve the right purpose. The importance of such shoes should not be underestimated a potentially extensive accident could become moderate.

Proper foot wear can reduce the number of foot injuries significantly in the workplace. Not only can they protect employee's feet against falling objects, but they can also safe-guard employees from cutting their feet if the accidental step on sharp objects. They could also safeguard them against picking up diseases when walking through areas contaminated with dangerous chemicals.

An industry where safety improvement should be made is the food and beverage industry. This industry is, once again, not an industry where foot injuries are really expected. But, based on the MAKROSAFE statistics, in turns out that foot injuries is the most reported injury in this industry.

Losing a foot is a disaster but also, the loss of a big toe has a significant negative impact. While one might think that amputating a big toe means that a small part of the body will be removed, he or she should think twice because, despite its small size, the big toe is an important body part. The big toe is pivotal for humans for balance of their bodies or to enhance their movements. It was the loss of his big toe that ultimately forced the groom, whom I spoke about earlier, into an early-retirement after a horse, had stepped on his foot.

Employers should take it upon themselves to prioritise the importance of maximum courtesy against foot injuries. Able bodied employees would increase productivity and profits rather than attribute to a company being slapped with medical bills.