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FROM THE DESK OF RANDALL A. KROCKA
SMOHIT Administrator
Selecting lightweight footwear
Research indicates about 75 percent of adults will complain of sore feet at some point. According to Dave Johnson of "Industrial Safety and Hygiene News," a major reason why your feet can hurt is the shoes you wear at work. Many shoes do not provide proper support for your feet; insufficient support in the arch of the shoe can lead to a collapsing arch. You should also consider the outer-sole or the bottom of the shoe may not have enough cushion to absorb the force of walking on hard floor surfaces. Fit is important, too. Wearing shoes that are too small, too large, too wide or too narrow can contribute to tired feet, foot pain, and body fatigue.
Time on your feet
Prolonged standing at work can be associated with health problems - including tiredness, backaches, bunions, leg cramps, and excess pressure on joints, which can all affect job perfor
mance and cause significant discomfort.
Traction matters
Another consideration: reducing slips, trips, and falls should be part of your safety footwear purchasing decision. Use of specific outsole materials and design of outsole tread pattern are two key standards for producing slip-resistant footwear.
Benefits of lightweight
Lightweight footwear is anti-fatigue footwear. Military and ergonomic studies show that every pound reduced in footwear weight is equal to a five pound reduction in weight off your back or five percent less energy expended. Be sure to buy lightweight footwear that is also durable, including toe protection. Keep in mind that lightweight does not mean light-duty. OSHA stipulates that protective footwear must comply with ASTM F2413.
Of course, SMOHIT urges you to buy Union-made shoes produced in the U.S.A.
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