Buyers Guide 2023

Focus on: PPE Handling & Safety Matters Annual Buyers’ Guide 2023 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 33 basic requirement for protective footwear is that it comes with steel-toe caps that can withstand 200 joules of impact. These come with the abbreviation SB, meaning Safety Basic. However, all safety footwear comes rated at different safety levels ranging from S1 to S5, incorporating a myriad of protective factors including oil resistance, penetration resistance, energy absorption, resistance to water penetration, anti-static, heat resistance and insulation and, cold insulation. Your safety footwear supplier should be able to advise you on the most appropriate safety footwear. 4. Get the fit right For all footwear, safety or not, it’s vital to get the correct fit. There should be enough room at the front for wiggle room with around 1cm space between the longest toe and front of the shoe. Take some time to walk around in new footwear to make sure they are comfortable. The heel should fit comfortably and securely and not slip out of the shoe. According to advice from National Feet Week, which took place earlier this year, when it comes to fastening, shoe lacing can greatly impact the way shoes fit according to different conditions. Those with a wide foot/high instep will benefit from lacing shoes using the eyelets closest to the tongue and by employing the under and over tying technique if more room is needed. Narrow feet should lace through the eyelets furthest from the tongue to ensure a tighter fit. Always see a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance if you have issues with your feet that may need further investigation or extra help with orthotic devices. 5. Don’t forget the weather The great British weather has an impact on our feet, especially for outdoor workers. Cold conditions without adequate thermal protection can lead to frostbite, where blood flow is directed away from extremities to protect the body’s primary organs resulting in a risk of tissue damage to toes. Chilblains are often associated with the cold and can make feet itchy, sore and very uncomfortable, while trench foot, also known as non- freezing cold injury (NFCI) is another serious condition that can affect feet. Unlike frostbite, trench foot occurs when feet have been exposed to wet as well as cold conditions for too long leading to loss of blood circulation and nerve damage. If left untreated, feet can become gangrenous. Feet can also struggle in hot temperatures, with the risk of swelling and foot fatigue leaving feet tired and achy. Excessive sweating creates the perfect environment for blisters and fungal conditions such as athletes foot. Ensuring feet are washed and dried at the start and end of every day and wearing socks with moisture-wicking properties will help with foot hygiene and comfort during hot spells. 6. Keep your feet fit The Society of Shoe Fitters advocates a number of tips to keep feet fit and healthy. Preventing infection is best achieved by regular washing and drying, and nails should be cut straight across in order to avoid ingrown nails. In terms of exercise, use your feet to pick up objects from the floor – anything from marbles to items of clothing. Next, regularly wiggle your toes, separating them one by one and lastly, while sitting or lying comfortably, follow a circular motion with your foot both clockwise and anti-clockwise. All these exercises will help relax and strengthen weary muscles. Conclusion Don’t let foot injuries become your Achille’s heel when it comes to health and safety. Regular risk assessments, ensuring workplaces are safe and free from hazards, along with the provision of appropriate PPE, training and workplace signage to remind workers of the risks, will all pay dividends in protecting these often-forgotten parts of the body. by up to Increase Storage 50% with Aisle Master aisle-m ster.com