As part of my freshman chem lab, they taught us how to put a foot under expensive glassware to keep it from hitting the floor full speed. And also when not to, of course - some of that stuff can be messy on your shoes, or remove your shoes for you. Permanently.

20... No, 25 years later (man, I'm gettin' old), I still either throw my foot under or jump way back when something is falling from the kitchen counter or the workbench.

-jk