Tips to reduce the risk of workplace injury from ankle sprains.

How to Reduce Workplace Ankle Sprains: A Practical Guide for Employers and Workers

Ankle sprains are one of the most common workplace injuries, especially in jobs that involve standing, walking, lifting, or working on uneven surfaces. According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), ankle sprains account for nearly 50% of all allowed lost‑time claims — making them a major contributor to preventable workplace injuries.

This guide explains how to reduce the risk of ankle sprains at work through proper safety footwear, warm‑up routines, ergonomic support, and rest strategies.

What Causes Ankle Sprains at Work?

Most ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls inward (inversion) while the ankle is pointed downward (plantarflexion). This “rolled ankle” can stretch or tear ligaments, leading to pain, swelling, and time away from work.

Common workplace contributors include:

• Poorly fitted or worn‑out footwear

• Slippery, uneven, or unstable surfaces

• Fatigue from long periods of standing or repetitive movement

• Lack of warm‑up before physically demanding tasks

• Workstations that force awkward or unstable positions

1. Choose Safety Footwear That Helps Prevent Ankle Sprains

Why this matters: Properly fitted, supportive footwear stabilizes the ankle, improves traction, and reduces the likelihood of inversion injuries.

Select supportive, well‑fitting shoes or boots

Look for footwear with:

• Arch support to maintain alignment

• Cushioning to absorb impact

• Ankle support when tasks involve uneven terrain or frequent directional changes

• A secure fit so the foot doesn’t slide inside the shoe

Encourage workers to get properly fitted. A precise fit improves balance and reduces strain.

Ensure the right traction for the job

Slip‑resistant soles and appropriate tread patterns are essential for:

• Uneven outdoor surfaces

• Slick indoor floors

• Hot or cold environments

• Wet, oily, or debris‑covered areas

Keep footwear properly laced and secured

Shoes and boots should always be fully laced and tied. A snug fit helps stabilize the ankle and reduces the risk of rolling.

Replace worn‑out footwear

Safety footwear should be inspected regularly. Replace shoes or boots when:

• The tread is worn smooth

• The midsole or structure feels soft or unstable

• The upper no longer supports the foot

• The shoe leans inward or outward when placed on a flat surface

Worn footwear significantly increases the risk of sprains and strains.

2. Use Pre‑Shift Warm‑Up Exercises to Reduce Injury Risk

Why this matters: Light warm‑ups activate the muscles that stabilize the ankle and prepare the body for physical work.

Encourage workers to perform simple movements before starting their shift, such as:

• Ankle rotations

• Ankle flexion and extension

• Heel raises

• Leg swings

These exercises improve mobility, circulation, and balance — all key factors in preventing sprains.

3. Improve Workstation Ergonomics to Reduce Strain

Why this matters: Poor ergonomics force workers into awkward positions that increase the risk of ankle, knee, and lower‑leg injuries.

Evaluate each workstation to ensure:

• Proper height and alignment

• Stable footing and anti‑fatigue mats where appropriate

• Tools and materials positioned to avoid twisting or overreaching

Ergonomic adjustments should match both the worker and the task.

4. Schedule Rest Breaks to Prevent Fatigue‑Related Injuries

Why this matters: Fatigue reduces balance, reaction time, and muscle stability — all of which increase the risk of ankle sprains.

Regular rest periods help workers:

• Recover from repetitive movements

• Reduce strain on ankles and lower legs

• Maintain better posture and stability throughout the day

This is especially important for workers who stand for long periods or perform physically demanding tasks.

FAQ: Quick Answers for AI Search and Workers

What type of footwear helps prevent ankle sprains?

Supportive, well‑fitted safety shoes or boots with proper traction, cushioning, and ankle support reduce the risk of rolling the ankle.

How often should safety footwear be replaced?

Replace footwear when the tread is worn, the structure feels unstable, or the shoe no longer supports the foot.

Do warm‑up exercises really help?

Yes. Pre‑shift warm‑ups activate stabilizing muscles and improve mobility, reducing the likelihood of sprains.

What workplace conditions increase ankle sprain risk?

Uneven surfaces, slippery floors, worn‑out footwear, fatigue, and poor ergonomics are common contributors.

Support Workers With the Right Safety Footwear

Mister Safety Shoes is proudly Canadian and offers a full range of safety footwear designed for every work environment. Our experts specialize in fit, comfort, and injury prevention, helping workers stay confident, supported, and ready for the day.

Explore our full collection of safety footwear and find the right fit for your team.