Introduction/framework/objectives

Falls to the same level are reasonably frequent and, if in some professional sectors there is a reasonable number of employees who have access to adequate footwear, in other contexts this does not happen. In addition, not all professionals working in the Occupational Health teams will be able to make recommendations to choose the model to be acquired. The aim of this review was to summarize the most recent and relevant publications on this topic, in order to try to alleviate this issue.

Methodology

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in August 2021 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Contents

Accidents are associated with a decrease in productivity, more indemnities for disability, an increase in the number of days lost from work, more pain/suffering for the employee at the time and, eventually, permanent disability in the future.

Falling to the same level will depend on extrinsic or environmental factors (such as weather, light, obstacles, distractions, footwear, tasks per se and floor characteristics) and intrinsic or human factors (joint/muscular and reflex issues-postural stability and fatigue muscle/intense exercise).

Discussion and Conclusions

Although the selected articles did not produce a synthesis of information that would allow the topic to be approached with much confidence and robust evidence, were found data that could minimally guide the activity of professionals working with employers with this risk factor, namely: providing a adequate illuminance and temperature, eliminate or reduce obstacles, prepare a floor with grooves perpendicular to the main direction of displacement, attenuate or eliminate water or other contaminants, avoid or attenuate the maintained standing posture, as well as vigorous exercise immediately before/fatigue, control the displacement speed and develop joint and muscular strength of the employee. As for the characteristics of the shoe itself, these can be summarized in the existence of deep grooves in the sole, a non-elevated heel, a model that is above the ankle and the use of flexible, light materials with soles that cause adequate friction.

It would be pertinent that some professionals working in Occupational Health to better investigate the topic (differences between models/materials and areas of work/specific tasks; as well as comfort and adherence) and publish the conclusions obtained in journals in the area.

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