Foot and ankle injuries are one of the most common causes of lost time on construction and infrastructure projects and one of the most underestimated. A simple twist, slip or awkward step can quickly lead to pain, reduced mobility and weeks away from work. As these injuries continue to impact workers across the sector, VGC has launched its 2026 Foot & Ankle Safety Campaign to help prevent avoidable harm and reinforce safe movement on site.
The campaign provides straightforward, practical guidance to help workers, supervisors and clients reduce risk, respond effectively to injuries and maintain safe conditions all year round.
Why foot and ankle safety matters
Construction work relies heavily on strong, stable footing. Workers spend long hours climbing, lifting, carrying and operating across uneven or changing terrain. Despite this, foot and ankle injuries are often dismissed as “minor” until they become serious.
Sprains, strains and slips can:
- reduce mobility and independence
- lead to extended time off work
- cause long-term pain and discomfort
- affect confidence and general wellbeing
By raising awareness and encouraging early reporting, VGC aims to reduce the number and severity of these injuries across our projects.
Foot & Ankle Safety 2026 Brochure
What to do if an injury occurs
The campaign outlines clear steps for anyone who experiences a foot or ankle injury on site.
Workers are encouraged to:
- Stop work immediately and move to a safe place
- Contact a First Aider, or notify their supervisor if one is not nearby
- When practical, inform their VGC line manager
- Avoid removing their boot unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid putting weight on the foot or ankle
- Report all injuries and near misses, however minor
Early reporting allows hazards to be identified and prevents similar incidents from happening to others.
Preventing slips, trips and strains
Many foot and ankle injuries come down to everyday habits. The campaign highlights the importance of:
- Wearing correct, properly laced footwear
- Using designated walkways instead of shortcuts
- Keeping paths and storage areas tidy
- Reporting poor or unsafe ground conditions
- Stopping work if terrain becomes unstable
- Recognising how fatigue can reduce hazard awareness
Good housekeeping and strong safety habits make a significant difference in preventing lower-limb injuries.
Seasonal and environmental risks
Changing conditions on site can also contribute to accidents. The campaign encourages workers to stay alert to:
- Ice, mud and standing water
- Wet concrete
- Loose or damaged walkways
- Temporary or unstable access steps
Team members are advised to check the site risk assessment, follow PPE requirements, and raise concerns as soon as hazards appear, especially during winter months when slips and trips are more likely.
Reinforcing our ‘See it, Share it’ culture
VGC’s long-standing ‘See it, Share it’ approach encourages all workers to speak up when they notice a hazard. Quick reporting helps supervisors respond early, improving safety not just for the individual, but for the entire site team.
Hazards can be reported through project reporting systems or emailed directly to: besafe@vgcgroup.co.uk
Everyone has a role to play
The campaign reinforces the shared responsibilities between workers and clients:
Workers
- Wear correct footwear and lace boots properly
- Keep walkways clear
- Raise concerns about unsafe surfaces
- Report hazards and near misses immediately
Supervisors & clients
- Maintain clean, stable walkways
- Ensure material storage does not obstruct routes
- Respond quickly to site deterioration
- Encourage a culture of proactive reporting
Our commitment to safety
“At VGC, we want every person on our projects to go home safe, every day,” Richard Wheeler, Head of Safety, Health & Environment said. “Foot and ankle injuries are preventable, and by staying aware, reporting hazards early, and looking out for one another, we can significantly reduce the risks on site.”
The Foot & Ankle Safety Campaign will be supported throughout January with posters, toolbox talk materials, digital reminders and site-wide communications.
For more information on keeping safe on site, or to report a concern, contact: besafe@vgcgroup.co.uk
