PPE & WORKWEAR ONE STEP AT A TIME The Health and Safety Executive estimates that almost 200,000 people in
the UK suffer from occupational lower limb disorders caused or made worse by their work, Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager at functional footwear specialists HAIX explains how the right boots can make all the difference.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures of the body. Early symptoms of MSDs include: poor posture, muscular tightness, joint stiffness, restricted range of movement, persistent pain and twinges. Pain and discomfort around feet, legs, hips and lower back could also occur.
“IF WORKERS ARE SUFFERING
FROM PAIN AND DISCOMFORT, THIS COULD IMPACT ON THEIR ABILITY TO DO THEIR JOB.”
These symptoms can be debilitating and wearing the wrong boots can be a major contributing factor to such problems. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations stipulate employers must comply to EU laws, providing workers with the correct certified footwear. Some industries require workers to purchase their own safety boots and often in these situations, individuals purchase cheaper models that do not provide the best levels of comfort and support, increasing the risks of MSDs developing.
If workers are suffering from pain and discomfort, this could impact on their ability to do their job, affecting an individual emotionally as well as physically, with a possible lack of income as a result of work absence.
Choosing the right boots for the job is the most important factor in protecting your feet. The correct footwear supports your entire body and helps to reduce your risk of injury, particularly when operating in slippery, wet environments. If footwear is comfortable, you are more likely to be concentrating on the task as opposed to worrying about your feet; meaning your productivity significantly increases.
These factors are key priorities for HAIX and all boots are designed with the latest end-user feedback in mind. Models such as the Black Eagle Safety provide all of the relevant safety features for protective footwear with exceptional comfort and breathability. Key features include: slip resistance, a hi-tech fibre toecap, heel grips and shock absorption as well as being certified to government standards. The boots also have adjustable easy to use lacing, providing the best level of protection, comfort and functionality.
“CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOTS FOR THE JOB IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN PROTECTING YOUR FEET.”
When purchasing your boots, consider the following: • Comfort: When buying boots, ask yourself: are the boots really comfortable? Can you imagine wearing them all day, every day? If you can, purchase models with an easy lacing system so that putting your boots on won’t take too much time.
• Foot Shape: Did you know the shape of your feet fluctuates throughout the day? Try boots on in the afternoon to get an accurate size ensuring comfort throughout your working day.
• Protection: Choose boots that are right for your sector and have the right safety features such as slip resistance, steel toe caps, waterproofing and breathability. For more guidance, ask your employer about what protection you specifically need.
Musculoskeletal injuries are a major problem in the workplace and could impact your morale and productivity. When selecting your safety footwear – take it seriously; and see the long term benefits for your health.
www.haix.com 26
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