"Feet carry us through life"

Ms. Hautmann, today we're talking about foot protection in the workplace. Why are feet actually so important?

Eva Hautmann: That's a very good question, because many people actually underestimate the central role our feet play - not only in everyday life, but also in the world of work. Our feet carry our body weight through life and are exposed to great anatomical strain alone. Everything we do - standing, walking, carrying loads - happens on our feet. And if something is wrong or injured, this has an immediate impact on the entire musculoskeletal system.

You say that feet are difficult to repair - what do you mean by that?

Well, let's take a broken toe or a punctured foot, for example - these are injuries where you can't just say: "Well, I'll take the weight off it for a while". Because the foot always has to bear the body weight. We can't just "not walk". Even minor injuries quickly become a major problem due to the constant strain. And what's more: feet are exposed and off-center. Everything that falls in the work environment falls downwards - and in many cases hits the feet. This means that they are significantly more at risk than other parts of the body, which are better protected.

In which industries are feet particularly at risk?

In very many. Of course, you immediately think of construction or industry - where the risk of mechanical injuries is very high. But feet are also extremely exposed in food production, care, catering, field service - wherever you stand, walk a lot or have to deal with slippery floors. In operating theaters or laboratories, bodily fluids or chemicals also come into play. Here, slip resistance is just as important as slip and impact protection

So what do companies need to consider when purchasing safety footwear?

There are three aspects that need to be clarified. The first aspect is protection against external impacts: If something falls, the shoe must be built in such a way that nothing punctures it, nothing bruises it and no hot liquid penetrates it. So protection against nails, edges, hot or corrosive substances - that's the classic.

The second aspect is stability and ergonomics. A shoe must bed the foot so well that it can carry the body's load permanently. Many problems are caused by poor cushioning, a lack of support in the longitudinal arch or too little space in the toe box. In the long term, this can lead to poor posture, pain or orthopaedic complaints.

And the third aspect - which really should not be underestimated - is slip resistance. Many accidents happen due to slipping on slippery or damp floors. And this is not just an issue outside in winter, but also in production halls, kitchens or hospitals.

How is it in practice - how good is the quality of safety footwear in companies?

This varies greatly. In most of the companies I work for, foot protection is at least available - but often without individual customization. The companies often procure centrally and a selection is offered. I've had very good experiences in Switzerland so far - the quality here is often quite high. In Germany, I have often seen employees complaining about foot problems. Then I take a closer look at the shoes: How are they made on the inside? Are there any pressure points? What is the material like? How is the fit?

Are you consulted regularly?

Not automatically. As a company doctor, I usually come into play when there are complaints. I primarily look at individual suitability - in other words, if someone has orthopaedic problems or if existing problems are exacerbated by the wrong shoes. I rarely come into companies that are starting from scratch. But if I notice that a particularly large number of people in a department have foot problems, then I take a closer look - and then it can happen that I suggest that they think about changing suppliers or trying out a different model.

How do companies deal with such recommendations?

Usually very open. Especially if the complaints occur more frequently, this is an opportunity for many to fundamentally reconsider the issue. Many are grateful for a medically sound assessment. And sometimes it is enough to make a slightly more differentiated selection from the models on offer - for example, to offer more variants in terms of width, weight or footbed.

Is there a kind of ideal shoe?

(laughs) No, unfortunately there is no such thing. The perfect shoe is always individual. Some people need a lot of cushioning, others need stability. The shape of the foot plays a major role - as does the working environment, of course. But what you can say is this: The shoe has to fit. And not just somehow, but really well. This means that it must not cause any pressure points, must be non-slip, have the right weight - and preferably be comfortable to wear for several hours. And very importantly: safety must not come at the expense of comfort. Otherwise shoes will not be worn - or only worn reluctantly.

A lot has happened in the area of foot protection in recent years. What do you think of innovations such as air cushions or barefoot shoes - concepts that tend to come from the leisure shoe sector?

This is an exciting trend, and I think it's good that more thought is being given to how foot protection can be made more ergonomic and comfortable. Air cushions or dynamically cushioned soles can actually offer real added value - especially for people who have to stand or walk for long hours. They help to distribute the load more evenly and take the strain off the joints. Barefoot shoes are a little more special. The concept behind them - allowing the foot to work as naturally as possible - is appealing, but not suitable for all occupational areas. You have to make compromises in safety-relevant environments: A barefoot feel and a protective toe cap and penetration resistance at the same time? This is technically possible, but not yet established across the board. I see a lot of potential here - but the challenge is to reconcile innovation with the legal requirements and the actual need for protection. A lot is happening right now, and that's a good thing.

And what would you like to see in the future?

More awareness of the importance of feet - especially in occupational safety. They are the foundation of our health, and yet they are often neglected. I would like to see foot protection taken just as seriously as back protection. And that the selection of safety footwear is not just a procurement issue, but an integral part of occupational health care.

This interview appears in issue 3 of save. Here you can order your copy.