Article Critique_Shoe Selection in Safe Light-Industrial Jobs - Essay Example

Article Critique: Shoe Selection in Safe Light-Industrial Jobs The essay aims to address a two-fold objective to wit: (1) to describe shoe selection in light-industrial jobs; and (2) to analyze the compatibility of the presented article to textbooks and personal opinion.Article Critique: Shoe Selection in Safe Light-Industrial JobsIntroduction Part of personal protective equipment is the protective garments designed to keep the wearers body from injury and further build up of health problem. To ensure the greatest possible protection of employees in the workplace, cooperative efforts between employers and employees will help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment.

It is a requirement for every worker to use necessary protective equipment properly and at all times in the work place. A light industry that involves numerous workers to attain the high number of products should stress the employer’s responsibility to avoid potential injuries in the workplace. Employers should follow the necessary guidelines and standards provided by certain agency such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Choosing the Right ShoeHazard assessment is done by identifying the physical and health hazards in every workplace which stand as the first critical step in developing a comprehensive safety and health program.

Another factor is choosing the appropriate personal protective equipment for the workers who are the main concern in the industrial job. Right selection of shoe will help to minimize workplace injuries thus, increasing their work productivity. The need for the right shoes is essential for individual’s safety and proper support and comfort. Foot and leg injuries were often due to improper shoe selection and poor knowledge on how to select shoes according to the nature of work. Important outline were made to assist workers in light-industrial job in choosing the right shoe particularly in using a heavy-duty leather shoes.

The primary idea to consider is to always measure feet before selecting new shoes because feet may change in size over time due to activities that stretches feet and also due to aging. Next, measure feet while standing because standing for long period of time can stretch feet thus, selecting slightly larger shoes can help minimize foot pain later on. Always measure both feet also then select shoes that fit the larger foot if there is slight discrepancy on both size of feet. It is significant as well to buy shoes late in the afternoon for the reason that feet stretch regularly during the course of the day.

Upon purchasing, it is a must to spend a few minutes walking while wearing both shoes to make a decision on how it looks to the buyer. Appearance should not be the highest priority but comfort must come first. Another thing to keep in mind is that if shoes are going to be worn on a regular basis, especially for work, it is best to select shoes that feel comfortable from the start of wearing it. And lastly, wear the type of socks or stockings that is appropriate for the type of shoes since foot serves as heaviest producers of sweat in the body and socks will help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration (Tricozzi, 2011, 16).

Workers who potentially experience foot or leg injuries from falling, crushing and penetrating materials should wear protective footwear. As with all protective equipment, safety footwear should be inspected prior to each use. Different kinds of protective equipment should be emphasized not only the right selection of shoe as what the article discuss. Other includes eye and face protection, head protection, foot protection as a regular standard and requirement to all workers. All protective clothing and equipment should be of safe design and should be maintained in a clean and reliable appearance to bring out its real advantage.

Workers will be encouraged to use the shoes if it fits well, comfortable to wear, and compatible with other protective equipment worn together.Flooring Cure Foot Problems Another issue regarding the prevention of foot problems emphasized in the article is the utilization of anti-fatigue mats. Anti-fatigue mats provide balance of softness and support, making workers easier to endure standing for long hours. Anti-fatigue mats’ softness reduces the amount of stress on feet, joints and muscles (Tricozzi, 2011, 17).

Standing for long periods of time is particularly stressful and fatiguing thus, regardless of the quality of shoes and quality of the floor covering, standing itself can cause tiredness after an entire working day. The use of anti-fatigue mats on the floor does not eliminate sore feet by itself, but, when combined with proper work design and quality footwear, it can improve working conditions.Conclusion The article’s author conclude that increasing the frequency of breaks will be helpful since studies indicate that frequent short breaks benefit the feet, resulting in less pain and fatigue.

To achieve the improvement of work productivity it is ideal to take some rest when a person encounters stressful circumstances. Relaxation of feet is not only the benefit of taking short breaks but also it keeps a person alert and recharged enough to make it through the work. I think that the recommendation of the author for frequent breaks will significantly improve the work productivity as it preserves the health of the workers. A healthy worker can perform efficiently in work areas whereas a sick and uncomfortable work may have reduced quality of work.

Thinking in the benefit of worker’s safety, health, and comfort will be reflected in the quality of work they produced.ReferenceTricozzi, C. (2011). Shoe Selection in “Safe” Light-Industrial Jobs. Best Practices (p. 16-17). New York: Professional Safety.