No one plans to get hurt at work, but it does happen. Contrary to the popular belief that only some jobs propose a risk, that isn’t always true. Accidents happen every day and they can happen in the workplace too. Even if you work an office job, a loose thread in a rug, wet floor, or simple slip could lead to a foot and ankle injury. While this can be unpleasant in the moment, it can come with some very literal benefits. In this post, we will discuss workplace injuries, how to avoid them, and what to do when they do happen.
How It Happens
There are many different ways for a foot or ankle injury to happen. If you are in a profession where you are frequently on your feet, your risk might be greater, but it really can happen to anyone. Sometimes injuries occur because of an accident where something has been left on the floor. Other times it might be a direct consequence of a certain kind of footwear. When injuries do occur, it might or might not be related to the job or potential risks within it.
What It Means
Getting an injury on the job isn’t fun. In truth, most people would prefer not to be at work when a foot injury occurs. In most cases, your employer will require you to fill out some kind of paperwork. However, there can be a benefit: workmans’ compensation.
Workmans’ compensation, often referred to as workmans’ comp or workers’ comp, is a special kind of insurance that employers are required to have. Workman’s compensation is a specific program that ensures that if someone is injured on the job, the employer might very well have to cover it. While there are generally policies around how this works, if you are injured at work, you can often receive this benefit. It is great for those who have sustained an injury and do not have good insurance to cover the cost. If the injury is related to workplace activities, it really shouldn’t be your responsibility to pay for it either way. Employers assume this risk when they hire you.
How To Avoid It
Avoiding an unexpected foot injury is easier than you might think, yet few people taking active steps to ensure their own safety. There are a few things that you can do to avoid an injury in the workplace, as well as in your daily life.
Wear Proper Footwear—Wearing the right kind of shoes to work can drastically decrease your chance of injury. Always wear shoes that fit well and offer appropriate support. More importantly, wear shoes that suit your style of work.
Don’t Be A Distracted Walker—So many workplace injuries are completely avoidable. When you are walking through the workplace, always make sure that you are present in the moment. Look out for people, objects on the floor, or stairs when walking.
Do Foot Stretches—Taking time to stretch out your feet everyday can go a long way when it comes to overall foot health. Your feet do a lot for you, so show them a little extra care by keeping them healthy and happy.
What To Do If You Are Injured
In the event that you are injured at work, the first thing that you should do is tell your boss. If you find that the injury is severe, it might be necessary for someone to take you to the hospital. It is always a bad idea to drive home yourself if you have an injured foot, which can put you and others at risk. Working with your boss can ensure that you also qualify for workers’ compensation if that option interests you.
Conclusion
Workplace injuries are not fun, especially when they impact the way that you walk. Any time that you injure yourself at work, make sure that you alert the right people to address the situation. While the paperwork might not be fun, it can be well worth it in the end. Take time to always look where you are walking and remember to follow the doctor’s orders as you heal. The good news is that the worst part of the accident will already be behind you!