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Safety & Compliance
> Safety Meeting Topics
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Foot
Protection
Our feet are complex little machines, filled with delicate
nerves, ligaments, muscles, and 26 bones. They take
us wherever we want to go, and support us when we are
standing still. Even a slight injury to the foot can
be debilitating, causing great pain and possible inability
to continue to work.
Foot injuries may occur from several sources:
Slips
and Falls
Walking on slippery surfaces or in areas where housekeeping
is poor may cause you to slip and fall. If the surface
is wet or icy, use footwear that has the best possible
traction, and step deliberately and carefully, making
sure your foot is planted before lifting the other.
Stepping from elevation improperly can cause a sprain
if you land improperly. Do not jump from a step to the
ground. Watch for chuck holes in parking lots. Debris,
tools and equipment lying around are housekeeping problems
that cause risk for slips and falls. Watch carefully
where you step. Pick up items that should not have been
left in the walkway. Clean up spills as soon as they
happen. Watch where you step!
Punctures
Stepping on sharp objects may puncture the skin, infect
the area, and possibly cause bone or nerve damage. Wear
solid soled footwear. Practice good housekeeping methods
by not leaving the objects in the work area in the first
place. Be careful where you step!
Falling objects
Most foot injuries are caused by an object falling on
the foot. This is usually caused by improper stacking
or improper lifting. Objects that are stacked in warehouses
should be stacked straight and level, and not near the
edge of a shelf. When lifting, if the load is more than
you can safely and comfortably handle, get a co-worker
to help, or get lifting machinery to move the load.
Dangerous equipment
Chain saws, Heavy wheeled carts, hot or caustic materials,
staple guns and forklifts are examples of dangerous
equipment that might cause a foot injury. Use saws properly.
Make sure they are guarded. Do not try to operate the
saw when you are not in a comfortable, balanced position.
Leaning, twisting, reaching are not safe ways to operate
saws. Wear strong, protective footwear. Watch where
you step!
Blisters
While blisters may heal quickly, and may not keep you
from working, they can be extremely painful and run
the risk of becoming infected. Moisture is the catalyst
for formation of a blister, when added to friction.
Blister prevention is basically wearing proper fitting
footwear, with dry socks. If your feet sweat, keep a
pair of dry socks in to which you can change. Make sure
your shoes or boots are not so loose that they slip
with each step. If a blister occurs, apply ointment,
cover with a bandage or moleskin, but do not break the
blister.
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Safety & Compliance