Fast Delivery Available
Best Price Guaranteed - Trusted By +1000
Fast Delivery Available
Best Price Guaranteed - Trusted By +1000
Ensuring workers have footwear that complies with safety footwear standards is essential for maintaining safety and productivity on any job site. With risks varying across all industries, having the right protection for your feet can prevent injuries, ensure compliance with safety footwear standards, and improve comfort throughout the workday.
This guide covers essential safety footwear standards, protection features, and industry-specific recommendations to help you select the right footwear for your job. From ISO 20345 ratings to features like slip resistance and toe protection, we provide a clear overview of what to look for in occupational footwear.
Looking for the best options? Explore our collection of compliant and reliable safety footwear, including composite toe caps, steel toe caps and hiker boots, to find the right fit for your team.
The EN ISO 20345 standard is the benchmark for safety footwear in the UK, setting the foundational requirements for protective shoes and boots used across all industries. This standard defines minimum safety requirements that every piece of safety footwear must meet, covering features like toe protection, slip resistance, and more to ensure workers’ workplace site safety.
Under ISO 20345, all safety footwear must feature a protective toecap capable of withstanding up to 200 joules of impact. This level of protection is critical in environments where mechanical risks - like falling tools or heavy equipment - are present. Footwear under this standard is categorised by protection classes, from basic requirements (SB) to advanced levels (S1, S2, S3, and beyond), with each class offering specific safety improvements to meet the needs of different work settings.
Under EN ISO 20345, safety footwear is classified by different protection levels, each offering specific features designed to address workplace risks. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of these protection classes:
SB-rated footwear meets the basic requirements of ISO 20345, including a protective toecap that can withstand up to 200 joules of impact. This class is designed for general-purpose, low-risk environments, such as light-duty indoor work.
Building on SB, S1 footwear includes anti-static properties, energy absorption in the heel, and a closed heel area. S1-rated footwear is suitable for dry indoor environments, such as manufacturing and warehousing, where static resistance and basic toe protection are crucial.
S1P-rated footwear includes all S1 features and adds penetration resistance to protect against sharp objects. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where workers face risks from punctures, such as maintenance and light construction roles.
S2 footwear combines S1 features with a water-resistant upper. It’s well-suited for work in wet environments, such as light outdoor work, where some water exposure is expected but full waterproofing isn’t necessary.
S3 footwear is designed for tougher conditions, adding penetration-resistant midsoles and a studded sole for improved slip resistance. It includes all S2 features and is ideal for high-risk roles, such as construction, landscaping, and heavy manufacturing, where both puncture protection and water resistance are essential.
S4-rated footwear is entirely waterproof, and features energy-absorbing and anti-static properties in the heel of the shoe/boot. It’s designed for environments with heavy water exposure, such as agriculture, and sanitation.
Building on S4’s waterproof properties, S5-rated footwear also includes a penetration-resistant midsole and treaded sole for improved slip resistance. S5 is recommended for industries with high exposure to multiple hazards, like agriculture, waste management, and construction.
S6 includes all features of S3 graded-footwear, with extra insulation for colder conditions. Ideal for cold environments, S6 is used in outdoor work or cold storage, where both water resistance and thermal protection are necessary.
S7-rated footwear combines all S5 features with improved thermal insulation. This class is suitable for extreme cold and wet environments, such as outdoor construction or arctic conditions, providing comprehensive protection against moisture, punctures, and cold exposure.
Selecting the right safety footwear goes beyond protection classes; certain features are essential for ensuring the footwear meets the demands of different work environments. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider in workplace safety footwear:
Slip Resistance: Safety footwear with slip-resistant soles is especially important in industries like construction and warehousing, where surfaces can be wet or slippery. Some footwear may specify mandatory slip resistance requirements for high-risk environments.
Toe Protection: Protective toecaps are essential to guard against impacts and compression. Toecaps can be made from steel, composite materials, or aluminium, each offering different benefits. Steel toecaps provide high protection in heavy-duty environments, while composite toecaps offer a lighter alternative for roles requiring mobility, like warehousing or light industrial work.
Puncture Protection: For those in environments with sharp hazards on the ground, penetration-resistant midsoles offer essential protection against punctures from nails or sharp debris. This feature is common in S3 and S5 footwear.
Ankle Protection: High-cut safety boots with ankle protection provide additional support and stability, reducing the risk of ankle injuries. This feature is particularly beneficial in rugged environments like outdoor construction and landscaping, where uneven terrain is common.
Water Resistance and Waterproofing: Water-resistant and waterproof safety footwear prevents moisture penetration, keeping feet dry in damp conditions. Water-resistant options, such as S2-rated footwear, are ideal for occasional water exposure, while S4 and S5 fully waterproof boots are suited for consistent water contact.
Thermal Insulation: Thermal risks are a consideration for those working in cold environments. Safety footwear with thermal insulation (found in S6 and S7-rated footwear) provides warmth in outdoor winter conditions. Insulated safety boots help maintain comfort and prevent cold-related injuries.
Breathability and Comfort: Breathable materials and cushioned soles are essential for all-day comfort, particularly for workers who spend extended periods on their feet. Features like moisture-wicking liners and ventilated uppers enhance breathability, keeping feet cool and comfortable in warm or physically demanding work environments.
Additional Functional Features: Other beneficial features include reinforced stitching for durability, reflective elements for added visibility in low-light conditions, and anti-static properties, which help discharge static electricity safely.
Each industry has unique requirements for safety footwear. Here’s a look at recommended protection levels and key features across different fields:
Construction: Construction workers face multiple hazards, including sharp objects, heavy machinery, and uneven surfaces. S3 or S5 safety boots are ideal for construction, offering toe protection, slip resistance, and penetration resistance to guard against punctures. High-cut boots with ankle protection are also recommended for additional stability on rugged terrain.
Manufacturing and Warehousing: In manufacturing and warehouse environments, workers benefit from S1 or S1P-rated footwear with anti-static properties and toe protection. Slip-resistant soles are essential to prevent accidents on potentially slick surfaces. Lightweight safety trainers or shoes with breathable materials also provide comfort for workers on their feet all day.
Agriculture and Outdoor Work: Agricultural workers often need durable, waterproof footwear that can withstand wet and muddy conditions. S5-rated safety boots are highly suitable, providing waterproofing, penetration resistance, and a treaded outsole for maximum traction. Insulated or thermal options may also be beneficial for outdoor work in colder climates.
Chemical and Electrical Industries: Employees working in environments with static or chemical exposure benefit from footwear with anti-static and electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties. S1 or S3 safety shoes with these features prevent static build-up and reduce risk around sensitive equipment or chemicals.
Office and Light Industrial Roles: For indoor roles with minimal hazards, lightweight safety trainers or S1-rated safety shoes provide basic protection with toe caps and slip resistance. These shoes are comfortable and suitable for light industrial work or low-risk office environments that require compliance with safety footwear standards.
Employers in the UK are responsible for ensuring that all safety footwear provided to employees complies with safety footwear regulations set by EN ISO 20345. These standards are designed to address workplace hazards and risks, ensuring employees receive appropriate protection. Here are some key regulations and responsibilities employers should be aware of:
All occupational footwear used in hazardous environments must meet EN ISO 20345 standards. This includes choosing footwear that aligns with the relevant protection classes (e.g., SB, S1, S2) for specific job roles. Selecting certified footwear helps ensure quality assurance and compliance with safety guidelines.
Employers are responsible for performing risk assessments to identify the specific mechanical risks, thermal risks, and other hazards that employees might face in their roles. By understanding these risks, employers can determine the necessary safety features, such as slip resistance or puncture protection, and choose suitable footwear accordingly.
Based on the findings of the risk assessment, employers should provide safety boots, safety shoes, or other protective equipment that meets the required safety class. This includes ensuring the footwear has features like toe protection or slip resistance that align with the industry’s needs.
Employers should inform employees about the importance of wearing safety footwear and instruct them on proper maintenance to prolong the footwear’s effectiveness. Employees should understand the specific protection features of their workwear and the potential consequences of not wearing appropriate footwear.
Workplace safety footwear should be inspected periodically to check for wear and tear. Employers should replace footwear when it shows signs of significant deterioration, such as compromised toe caps, worn-out soles, or reduced slip resistance. Regular inspections help maintain compliance and reduce the risk of injury from worn or faulty equipment.
Employers should maintain records of risk assessments, footwear purchases, and any training provided regarding safety requirements for footwear. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance with UK regulations and can be helpful in audits or safety reviews.
Choosing the right safety footwear is crucial for both employers and employees to maintain a safe work environment and comply with UK safety standards. Understanding EN ISO 20345 and the various protection classes - like SB, S1, S3, and beyond - ensures that the footwear provided offers the necessary protection, whether it’s toe protection, slip resistance, or penetration resistance.
Selecting footwear with the appropriate features for specific industries, such as thermal insulation for cold storage or waterproofing for agricultural work, can make all the difference in protecting workers and improving workplace comfort.
By conducting regular inspections, replacing worn-out footwear, and staying updated on safety footwear regulations, companies can reduce workplace risks and enhance employee safety.
If you’re ready to invest in high-quality, compliant safety footwear, explore our collection of safety footwear or reach out for a free workwear and PPE consultation. Our team offers expert advice to help you find the right safety footwear for your industry’s needs.
Recommended Guides:
