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Hi all

A physio colleague was asking about a workplace injury and how it could have been prevented. There was an incident where a piece of glass penetrated the sole of a shoe (steel cap) and severed the FHL tendon. She was wondering what could have been done to prevent this...a suggestion made by her staff was having a thin metal plate inserted in the sole - I discussed that this would stop another similar insident, but it would cause other issues. She understands that this was a freak accident,but would like to take all steps to stop it from happening again - any ideas?

Ann

 

Re: Footwear

As a health & safety issue, investigation of the incident should have revealed why the offending piece of glass was there at all. The risk should be eliminated by introducing a safe system of work, long before any footwear adaptions should be considered! In plain english, who left the glass there, without making sure that it wasn't cleared up! Who is responsible for checking? It seems a bit extreem to even think about sticking stuff in footwear at this point? :empathy:

 

Re: Footwear

Hi Spike

The person that stepped on the glass has the job of making sure the railway tracks are clear of debris - so he has a difficult and apparently dangerous job.

Any thoughts on appropriate footwear modifications?

Ann

 

Re: Footwear

I also work as an occupational health advisor, in a foundry. Some of the foundry boots have a heat resistant sole inbuilt into the sole of the boot as well as a steel toe cap, but the guys don't like wearing them for more tha 8 hours as they say that the boots aren't that comfortable. The sole is metal, I belive, & it might give an easier fix than trying to adapt existing footwear. Don't think that there's any easy answer to this one, but the company that supplies the existing safety boots might have some ideas? Hope this is of some help.

 

Thanks Spike

could you tell me the brand of the shoes?

Ann

 

There is an Australian Standard for , Occupational Protective Footwear AS/NZS 2210 and , Protective Footwear for Fire Fighters AS/NZS 4821.

Available for preview and purchase at http://www.standards.org.au

 

My company use to produce a "Spike intrusion plate" for military applications as did others, that was later adopted for fire fighting boots(or was it the other way around?), l will make inquiries for you but l believe my mates company still produce here in Australia a fire fighters boot with that same plate.
It was not the thickness of the metal plate but the fact that it could flex is what stopped it being penetrated or redirected the spike, so the theory is, never tested it myself but it was not cheap and they were buying.

Okay that does it....the guy l was just talking about just rang me...(wheres the weird music?) they still produce the spike intrusion plates in all "Structural" fire fighting boots, l can source the product for you but they will cost $300 each possibly less, they flex like any other boot would the plate does not inhibit the function at all.

Hope it helps

 

How uncanny! The twilight zone music did go off in my head :).
If they are interested in the shoes I will let you know. She may want to contact you directly.

Thanks
Ann