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

Workplace strains and sprains, including ankle sprains, are a significant cause of workplace injuries, accounting for almost 50% of all allowed lost-time claims, according to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). 

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is put into inversion (bending the foot inwards) and plantarflexion (stretching the foot down). Often referred to as a "rolled ankle", a sprained ankle is painful and can result in serious injury. 

So how do you reduce the risk of injury from ankle sprains in the workplace? 

Here are 4 focus areas to examine:

1.       Are workers wearing the right footwear?

Choose supportive, well-fitting shoes: These should include arch support, cushioning and, depending on the workers’ job functions and activity level, good ankle support. The best possible fit is essential so their feet are secure and balanced. Check out our fit tips for workers. And, our full collection of safety footwear.

Ensure good traction: Choose shoes with the right tread on the soles, especially if working on uneven surfaces, but also slick surfaces and work environments with hot and cold temperatures. Read our blost post on different surfaces and sole patterns and how they perform.

Laced up, tied up: Shoes and boots should be fully laced up and tied to ensure a snug fit that supports the feet and ankles.

 

Check for wear & tear: With safety footwear it's especially important to check and see if they have been worn to the point where their structure is compromised and/or the sole has worn smooth in parts or in whole?  This puts you at great risk of strain and injury. Read our blog post to identify important signs of wear & tear.

 

2.      Are workers warmed up and ready for work?   Encourage workers to perform simple exercises in advance of their work, like:

o   Ankle rotations

o   Ankle flex and extensions

o   Heel raises

o   Leg swings

Find more exercise ideas from the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/guides/before-work-warm-up

 

3.       Are workers supported ergonomically?  Ensure workstation ergonomics are adapted to each worker, and to the tasks that must be accomplished.

 

4.      Do workers get sufficient rest periods. Taking regular breaks from the tasks and movements workers perform throughout the workday can help reduce risk of strains and sprains. This is especially true for repetitive strain, risk, for those who stand for long periods of time, and of course, active workers.

Mister Safety Shoes is proudly Canadian, and we carry a full range of safety footwear for every work environment.  We are experts in fit, comfort and safety. We believe that with the right safety footwear, workers improve their comfort and confidence which helps them have better workdays. Check out our full collection of safety footwear.