Farmers footwear

As farmers you spend a majority of your life on your feet so it’s important that we do what we can to look after them.

The best way that you can take care of your feet is to find the most comfortable work boot, that’s appropriate for your terrain and farm work.

You can apply a few general rules for footwear and adapt them to your work requirements.

Qualities to look for in a farm boot:

• Firm heel counter to support your heel and ankle. You should not be able to bend the back of the shoe down.
• Heel pitch: Boot’s should have a minimum of a 10mm heel pitch.
• Lace up with zip side: Lace up ensures a secure fit around ankle, and ability to loosen around forefoot for wider/narrower feet. The zip is purely for convenience. Significant movement of your foot in the boot means you haven’t got enough support.
• Toe cap: For protection of the forefoot, boot’s now have lighter toe cap options that won’t squash toes.
• Padded/cushioned sole: Greatly filters the shock and impact of walking, reducing the strain on your feet and legs.
• Width and depth: Make sure the shoe is wide enough so that your toe’s are not squashed, and likewise with the depth under the toe cap.

Shoe life:
Everyone wears through their shoes at different rates, so it’s important to consider how often you are wearing them, and what conditions you are wearing them in (rain, mud, water, chemicals). Both these factors will determine the life of your shoe. If you find after a period of time your feet are starting to ache and feel very sore at the end of the day it may be time to replace your work boots.

Safety boot suppliers have moved away from an elastic-sided boot to a lace-up boot, in favour of function, comfort, support and general foot health. The traditional elastic-sided boot provides little ankle support, and tends to get sloppy and loosen with time. There are many different brands and styles to choose from so it’s important you find the boot with all the above qualities and durability guarantee.

Socks:
Socks can also increase the comfort and health of your feet. Materials that are breathable are recommended as they help regulate the temperature of the foot better, and can reduce moisture on the skin if you’re prone to sweating. Try and find a good quality sock that is mostly made from wool and cotton (60%-70%) as they will be warmer, more breathable, more cushioned and durable. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics as they will encourage moisture and can leave your shoes feeling damp.

• If you need any further footwear advice or are suffering with foot, ankle, knee, or leg pain then seek advice from a podiatrist.
• You can find your local podiatrist in the yellow pages, or ask your preferred health professional or GP.
• Find a podiatrist.
• For specific brands and where to buy footwear consult your local podiatrist.
• If you have diabetes, have regular checks with your podiatrist and always check your shoes for foreign matter before putting them on.

Things to remember

• Shoes are for protecting the feet.
• A good shoe should feel comfortable straight away.
• If you spend most of your time in your work boots it’s important to replace them once they have worn out (anywhere between 12-24months).

Feet – problems and treatments
Foot and leg pain or injury can be caused by many things, including the pattern in which the feet and legs move during walking and other activities. Corns, calluses, bunions, tinea and papillomas are other foot problems that can be treated, usually with the help of a podiatrist. Correctly fitted shoes are also important.

Find out more about this topic at Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• There is a strong correlation between ‘sore feet’ and poor footwear.
• As farmers you spend most of your day on your feet, so it’s very important that they are well looked after.
• The best way that can be achieved is through wearing the best work boot possible for you.

Farm Safety & Trauma Forum

“Keeping kids free from harm on the farm”

Please join in this FREE multidisciplinary forum where we will provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing challenges in keeping children free from injury in the rural community.

WHEN Friday 15 August 2014 (8.30am–4.00pm)

Download Farm kids safety flyer

WHERE:

Ella Latham Lecture Theatre

Ground Floor

The Royal Children’s Hospital

Flemington Road

Parkville 3052

PARKING Limited parking is available in and around the Royal Children’s Hospital. Trams 55 and 59 stop directly outside.

REGISTRATION 

RSVP your name, workplace & any dietary restrictions to safety.centre@rch.org.au by Friday 8 August 2014. For further enquiries call 9345 5085.

This injury prevention forum has been made possible through trauma funding generously provided by the Department of Health Victoria.

2014-07-21 Thanks to all of our supporters

A Big Thank You!

We would like to thank all our supporters very much for their continued commitment to the National Centre for Farmer Health. Your advocacy, support and partnership has been essential and enabled us to continue providing services to our farming communities and the health and rural professionals who serve in those communities. We gratefully acknowledge the recent funding announcement from the Federal and Victorian governments, which has provided a welcome boost.

October 12th Run 4 Farmer Health

As the funding is not ongoing we still need your help. The NCFH is not sitting still and in October we will be running for farmer health at the Melbourne Marathon and we would love you to join us. Tom Whitty, Media Manager at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is aiming for the full marathon (42 kms) to show his support. All of us at the NCFH are participating.

You too can show your support for the unique programs we deliver in agricultural communities by walking, running or fundraising with us. There are different distance runs and a walk to choose from and they all finish with a lap of the MCG.

To find out how you can be involved as a runner, walker or donator go to this link. https://farmerhealth.org.au/run-4-farmer-health

Looking forward to running with you!

Farmer health and medical training – Lee Kennedy

Train the trainer (Sustainable Farm Families) – Andrew Smith

Transferring training to practice – Professional Training and Education

Victorian rural males required aged 35-44 years

Can you help?

Are you a male aged between 35 and 44 years and have a spare 45 minutes to an hour to chat about men’s mental health services?

Or do you know someone who does?

You need to be 35-44 years, male, living in Victoria and willing to be interviewed face-to-face for approximately 45 minutes.

You don’t have to have used mental health services or even know anything about them! This student researcher is looking at your thoughts and feedback on the mental health services on offer to men in Victoria. If you are interested in being involved, or would just like to know more, please contact Rebecca Evans at rebeccaevans@students.federation.edu.au or phone the principal researcher on (03) 5327 9516.

2014-07-03 Funding reprieve gives farmer health centre a new lease of life – Weekly Times

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2014-07-03 Funding reprieve gives farmer health centre a new lease of life – Weekly Times

2014-07-03 Big lifeline for Farmer Health – Stock and Land

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2014-07-03 Big lifeline for Farmer Health – Stock and Land

2014-07-03 Run for Farmer Health – Stock and Land

Farmers, rural communities, health professionals and supporters please Run 4 Farmer Health at this year’s Melbourne Marathon in October.

“We are calling on every rural and city person alike to join us on Sunday October 12 for #Run4FarmerHealth. This will be a show of strength, determination and courage. We want to show both sides of government that regional communities rely on its service,” National Centre for Farmer Health Director Susan Brumby said.

Victorian Farmers Federation’s media manager Tom Whitty initiated the call to arms and is asked the public to join him.

This show of support will highlight yet again to both sides of government the importance of the NCFH and its role of improving the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers, their workers and their families. 

Details: To join Run4FarmerHealth visit, http://melbournemarathon2014.gofundraise.com.au/page/ncfhrun4farmerhealth 

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2014-07-03 Run for Farmer Health – Stock and Land

2014-07-03 Lifeline Funds – Hamilton Spectator

Read the full article:

2014-07-03 Lifeline Funds – Hamilton Spectator

2014-07-02 Future of National Centre for Farmer Health still in doubt despite funding lifeline – ABC Ballarat