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Medical Supply

Toe the line over

foot protection

Msaid. “It is also important to remember
any seafarers can literally safety plays an important role in its
enter a dangerous situation occurrence,” explained Ms Petalidou.that by choosing the right safety

feet irst which is why it is soThere are also other problems footwear, a worker is not only kept safe
important to use safety footwear.related to feet such as calluses, ingrown from accidents but also comfortable and

It is so often a cause of accidents thattoenails or simply tired feet and although conident, therefore performing better
is overlooked, says Greece-based STOP, they are not considered occupational at work.

which supplies personal protective injuries, they can affect a worker whoIn any risk analysis, occupational
equipment to the maritime industry, as – when feeling tired, discomfort or health and safety should be calculated

well as construction, transportation and suffering pain – is less alert and more and potential hazards identiied.
other sectors.likely to act unsafely.“All working footwear, for both men

Vicky Petalidou said there are two “In this case any incident or accident and women, whether it is safety wear
major categories of work-related foot may result,” said Ms Petalidou.or not, should provide comfort without

injuries. The irst includes foot injuries She said the best practice would be to compromising protective value,” added

from punctures, crushes, sprains and identify potential hazards in a workplace Ms Petalidou.
cuts, while the second includes injuries such as is the loor slippery, or is heavy In addition, she said protective

resulting from slips, trips and falls.machinery or electricity involved?footwear should comply with EN ISO
“In this case not always a foot injury “Only by identifying relevant hazards 20345:2011 or appropriate standard

is caused but lack of attention to footproper footwear can be selected,” shefor the required continent. u

Tips for choosing safety footwear:

• The shoe should it comfortably from day one. Don’t choose a shoe that is tight, expecting
it will stretch.

• Not both feet are the same size – try shoes on both feet and buy those for the bigger one.
• The shoe insole must be one piece from the big toe to the end of the heel.

• The forepart must allow freedom of movement for the toes.

Issue 69 2016 | The Ship Supplier | 35