The great artist and thinker Leonardo Da Vinci was quoted as saying, ‘The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.’ We could also add to that by suggesting the foot is the body’s ultimate glutton for punishment. Yes, it cops a lot, particularly across many Australian industrial settings.
For most of us, our feet are the foundations of our every single day. But they are a bit like car tyres. Most of us just zoom around on them, don’t check them all that much, and we only have our attention drawn to them when they aren’t performing as well as they should be, or when they become sore or painful.
Feet that aren’t in great shape can cause many issues in other parts of the body. Our legs, back, and numerous joints can all suffer if our foundations aren’t sound. So, obviously we need to look after our feet, and at the very least, pay more attention to them. And what is instrumental to the overall wellbeing of our masterpieces of engineering? Footwear.
Do you work in retail, warehousing, logistics, transport, construction, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, farming… the list goes on. Whether you move a lot, or are parked for long periods at a desk, it is essential that you have footwear that is fit-for-purpose; it has to adhere to occupational health and safety and of course, be comfortable.
These requirements present challenges for footwear specialists who need to recommend and provide the most suitable footwear for workers in a vast array of different environments and jobs. The statistics underline the significance of these challenges. According to Safe Work Australia, 386 workers died between 2003-2015 as a result of slips, trips, or falls. Slips have most relevance to footwear because some happen due to the use of inappropriate or ineffective shoes or boots.
King Gee has risen to these challenges with its Quantum range, which offers a variety of hybrid footwear that is suitable across an array of industries and occupations.
“The importance of Hybrid technology is that we take into account load on feet and overall impact to end user. We know from our research that weight on feet takes 5 times more energy than carrying the same amount of weight on your back. Workcover (2010) reports shows that lower limb injuries are prevalent in occupations that involve prolonged walking,” says Pat Zampaglione, Group Merchandise Manager, Workwear Group.
Quantum Hybrid technology is centred around the understanding that traditional safety footwear is heavier in weight and thereby requires additional oxygen intake and heart rate response. Quantum is up to 200 grams lighter than a traditional safety boot, saving 1.2% energy burn / aerobic capacity for each 100gram weight relief.
“Our Hybrid range is specifically designed to combat the 59% of work-related injuries that are caused by incorrect
fitting or incorrect footwear consisting of 36% body stressing caused by high step count and fatigue, 23% due
to falls, trips and slips as per Safe Work Australia 2020 report.”
Quantum is endorsed by the Australian Podiatry Association (APODA), the nation’s largest and oldest peak body that represents podiatry and footcare promotion. Podiatrists are concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
Pat went on to say, “To achieve APODA endorsement our safety footwear must pass the Product Assessment process and fulfil a detailed list of stringent requirements. A minimum panel of six (6) independently practising AHPRA registered podiatrists (four year trained, in clinical practice for a minimum of 5 years and currently in clinical practice) are tasked with assessing and approving our safety footwear for endorsement. Criteria for endorsement includes, and not limited to, the product positive for foot health, meeting the stated claims of industry testing and certification.”
“Through APODA we educate end users on the risk of prolonged and frequent standing, without some relief by
walking, causes blood to pool in the legs and feet. When this happens over longer periods, it can result in lower
limb inflammation.”
In their countless responsibilities, employers can overlook the importance of ensuring their employees have safe, high quality, comfortable, and correct fitting footwear that is fit-for occupational purpose. However, such oversights can prove harmful, if not dangerous, and costly. In simple terms, every foot is precious. And like every work of art, it needs to be looked after if its value is to both be appreciated and appreciate.