In the workplace, there are many hazards that can cause foot and hand injuries. These hazards can include: 

• Slips and falls 
• Sharp objects 
• Heavy objects 

• Chemicals 
• Electrical hazards 
• Biological hazards 

Foot and hand injuries can be serious. They can lead to pain, disability, and even death. That’s why it’s imperative to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your feet and hands in the workplace. 

Foot Protection 

There are a variety of foot protection options available, including: 

• Safety shoes 
• Steel-toe boots 
• Metatarsal guards 
• Insoles 

• Work boots 

Safety shoes are the most common type of foot protection. They are designed to protect your feet from impact, compression, and penetration. Steel-toe boots are a widely used type of safety shoe that has a steel toecap that can protect your feet from being crushed by heavy objects. Metatarsal guards are a type of foot protection that can protect your toes from being crushed or cut. Insoles are a type of foot protection that can provide cushioning and support for your feet. Work boots are designed for specific work environments, such as construction or manufacturing. 

Hand Protection 

There are also several types of hand protection options available, including: 

• Gloves 

• Gauntlets 
• Sleeves 
• Mitts 
• Aprons 

Gloves are the most widely used type of hand protection. They are designed to protect your hands from impact, cuts, abrasions, and chemicals. Gauntlets are a type of glove which extends up to your forearm. Sleeves are a type of hand protection that covers your arms from your wrists to your elbows. Mitts are a type of glove that has open fingers. Aprons cover your torso and arms. 

When choosing foot and hand protection, consider the following factors: 

• The type of work you do 
• The hazards you are exposed to 
• The comfort and fit of the PPE 

It is also important to make sure that the PPE you choose is certified to meet the appropriate safety standards. Foot and hand protection is an important part of workplace safety. By wearing the right type of PPE, you can protect your feet and hands from a variety of hazards and help to prevent serious injuries. 

Additional tips for choosing and using foot and hand protection: 

• Ensure that the PPE fits properly. 
• Replace PPE that is damaged or worn. 
• Wash PPE regularly. 
• Store PPE in a clean, dry place. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 

• Risk assessment template covering a multitude of activities, events and equipment use 
• Management system to document control the policy on PPE 
• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on PPE 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents both with an app and via desktop 

• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding PPE to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software