I'm wondering if anyone's come across this one before?

As with most workplaces out there we have a number of slips/trips that result in twisted and sprained ankles. Nothing strange there, however I've been considering whether the current issue of footwear gives enough ankle support for our staff who are required to walk long distances on uneven ground (something I thought was a reasonable question to ask).

I've discussed this with some of my learned colleagues and have been surprised in their response that if you increase the support in the ankle this will only serve to move any potential injury higher up the leg and in all likelihood they would be more severe than a twist or sprain.

Has anyone heard of this when looking into suitability of safety footwear?

Nothing proper, but I personally don't like the trend to lower and lower boot tops while still calling them safety boots and imagining they provide ankle support. I have the same objection to modern walking boots. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I find myself thinking "call them boots, eh they're not boots" even if I don't say it out loud.

The last set of boots I was issued with (out of our standard PPE issue procedure) I don't feel support my ankle at all - they barely get above the bony jutty ankle bit, and the top inch is padding (not leather) so they're more like hi-top shoes than boots. I doubt they'll help prevent any but the most marginal of ankle injury, but the manufacturer is adamant they are boots and our purchasing people (who basically just buy to a spec that says EN345 S3 boots, so can't be blamed) believe the manufacturer.

Too much following what's currently fashionable in the walking boot market, I think. Look out for safety sandals any day now.

Personally now I use combat boots as walking boots (there's some decent ankle support) and am looking for some combat-style S3 boots for work use. When I find them, I'll set about corrupting our procedures to obtain them.

I like your style, achrn!!

Footwear should be appropriate for the task, stating the obvious perhaps, but ankle support is considered an important aspect for many workplace activities. The difficulty arises where different activities and environments are inherent in the work. In that case, a best fit for the tasks and environment is all that can be achieved. I have never seen or heard that ankle support could elevate the injury further up the leg - its possible, but unlikely I would have thought.

Those working in excavations prefer to wear rigger boots or wellingtons. However, most construction sites do not allow boots without ankle support - so much for a risk assessment. Likewise, those working on pitched roofs prefer to wear 'trainer' type protective footwear. In a perfect world the employer would provide all the necessary footwear for the various tasks and environments - ah, that costs money!

I thought it is mandatory to have ankle support for Network Rail, when working track side (so moot point if it moves any injury). Don't think you are allowed to walk on the sleepers?

Thanks for the posts and interest folks, thing is I'm still trying to identify if the issue of increasing ankle support only serves to push the injury elsewhere.

Anyone know whether this is a legit assumption?

Cheers

Injury to the ankle v injury elsewhere, you've got an injury either way..... ;)