Working on Hard Concrete Floors
Posted by Gordon Fraser on
Work and Safety is a worldwide authority on footwear and fitting.
At Work&Safety we realise that we are literally surrounded by concrete and hard concrete floors are everywhere; in many different working environments, from factories and warehouses to retail shops, hospitals and more. The reality is that hard concrete floors take a toll on your body. Having to stand and walk on hard concrete floors for long periods of time can lead to sore feet, swollen ankles and even perhaps knee and back pain. Therefore, it is important to take some steps to protect yourself when working on these hard surfaces, and the following tips will help you to do that.
Wear Quality Footwear (And Insoles)
First and foremost, quality footwear is a must, especially when spending a lot of time on hard concrete floors. It is important to do your research and to invest time in choosing quality footwear. Beyond fit, you will also want to look for shoes/boots built for comfort, and that has dual-density, thick soles and offer great arch support. Avoid shoes with thin mono-block rubber soles.
TOP TIP: Those who spend a lot of time on hard concrete floors should also purchase supportive insoles, which will provide additional comfort and arch support.
Frequently Change Positions
When working on hard concrete floors, it is important to alter your positions as much as possible to reduce the impact on your body.
TOP TIP: You could bring in a small stool to allow you to sit down periodically and/or you could bring in a small step stool to rest one foot on throughout the day.
Use Anti-Fatigue Mats
If possible, you should place anti-fatigue mats in areas where you spend a lot of time. These mats soften hard concrete floors, thereby cushioning your feet and reducing pain in your feet, ankles, knees and back.
Rotate And Replace Your Footwear
Wearing the same shoes or boots every day can cause foot discomfort. Instead, you should rotate between a couple of different pairs of footwear. It is also important that you replace your work shoes twice a year (every six months) because, over time, footwear loses it’s cushioning and support.
Work&Safety is an expert in safety footwear, fitting and comfort, offering more than 200 of the leading brand names in safety footwear with premium options for working on hard concrete floors. Contact us today for more information.