Safety shoes wearer s comfort perception and effects among manufacturing employees

Abstract

This study investigates ergonomic problems faced by manufacturing employees due to wearing inappropriate safety shoes. A total of 30 survey respondents was recruited based on the shoes they wear. Pedar-X was used in the experiment to measure the pressure that acts on the wearer' feet. Survey results showed the wearer' experienced the highest pain with the frequency of 80% for right and 83.33% for the left heel for wearing safety shoes two to three times a week. Meanwhile, Pedar-X recorded average peak pressure, force and surface area: Amporlo, 90.53 kPa, 259.57 N, and 67.74 cm2; Land Master, 75.07 kPa, 273.79 N and 72.65 cm2; Jack Parcell ordinary flat, 67.85 kPa, 170.68 N and 52.08 cm2 respectively. It was found strain on the front and middle of the feet were lowest. Meanwhile, the back foot, which locates the heel recorded the highest pressure value of 185 kPa as a result of wearing inappropriate safety shoes.