Safety footwear is paramount when working in hazardous environments, such as those operating heavy machines or handling various materials and harmful chemicals.

The right pair of safety shoes is the modern worker's first line of defence. Whether working in construction or a large factory, employers must provide and implement safety workwear for all employees.

Today, Beesley and Fildes will guide you through the rules and regulations for safety footwear. Browse our work shoes whilst you’re here for a range of comfortable and sturdy designs.

The Importance of Safety Footwear

Safety footwear helps to protect workers from a wide range of risks and injuries. This includes:

Mechanical hazards: Safety footwear is designed to withstand considerable impact and compression forces, protecting the wearer's feet from being crushed or punctured.
Chemical and thermal protection: Footwear certified under standards like EN 13832-2 offers resistance to chemicals. Other specifications ensure protection against burns, frostbite, or injuries related to chemical exposure.
Slip resistance and stability: Safety shoes with slip-resistant soles protect the wearer from slips, trips, and falls.
Electrical hazards: Safety footwear with electrical insulation protects workers from electric shocks and electrocution. This is especially important for electricians and construction workers.

Besides preventing injury, safety footwear can increase comfort at work and help support people who stand up all day. This can enhance productivity in the workplace, as comfortable employees are generally more productive.

Understanding BS EN ISO 20345

BS EN ISO 20345 outlines the legal requirements that safety footwear must meet to be classified as protective workwear.

This is designed to protect all workers from injury when facing daily risks at work. This contributes to the overall safety and well-being of employees in hazardous environments.

The Classification of Safety Footwear

The BS EN ISO 20345 standards are split into different categories, each designed for different purposes. This includes:

S1: This is required for indoor environments to protect all areas of the foot. This must include an enclosed heel, resistance to fuel oil, energy absorption, and antistatic properties.
S1P: This footwear must have all of the above, with added resistance to penetration. This is designed for construction or warehouse workers.
S2: This must have both the requirements of S1 and S1P, with added water resistance.
S3: This footwear includes all the features of S2, plus resistance to penetration and a cleated outsole for extra grip. This is suited for indoor and outdoor construction sites.
S4: This includes all-polymeric (completely moulded) footwear with energy absorption, antistatic properties, and resistance to fuel oil.
S5: This includes all of the features of S4 footwear with a cleated outsole and penetration resistance. This is used in agriculture, construction, and heavy industry.

Additional Standards and Ratings for Safety Footwear

There are various classifications beyond the standards under BS EN ISO 20345. These are designed to identify footwear designed to mitigate risks relating to chemical exposure, heat, electric hazards, and cold environments.

These classifications include:

Heat and Cold Insulation (HI, CI): These indicate the footwear’s ability to protect the worker from hot and cold temperatures. This is suitable for those working in foundries or welding operations.
Electrical Resistance (A, ESD): Antistatic (A) and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) properties are critical for environments where electrical hazards are present. This reduces the accumulation of static electricity by dissipating electrical charge from the body. This is designed for explosive atmospheres or those working with electronic components.

Chemical Resistance (EN 13832): This includes footwear designed to protect workers from various harmful chemicals, including sodium hydroxide, acetone, and sulphuric acid.

Water Resistance (WR): This provides resistance to water penetration and absorption, reducing the risk of fungal infections and discomfort.

Slip Resistance (SRA, SRB, SRC): SRA and SRB refer to resistance on ceramic and steel surfaces, while SRC indicates that the footwear meets both of these conditions. This is required to prevent slips and falls in wet environments.

Penetration Resistance (P): This indicates that the footwear has a midsole designed to protect against penetration by sharp objects. This is essential for protection against nails, screws, and other sharp debris.

How to Maintain Your Safety Footwear

Caring for your shoes appropriately will ensure that they last longer and keep you protected.

Clean your shoes with a soft brush and mild soap after every wear, removing any dirt and chemicals from the fabric. If the shoes become wet, let them dry naturally, away from direct heat sources.

Inspect your shoes for holes, damaged toe caps, and worn-out soles. Replace any damaged footwear immediately to prevent the risk of injury at work.

Invest in Your Safety With Beesley and Fildes

At Beesley and Fildes, the safety of our customers is our priority.

Whether you work at a construction site or in a warehouse handling heavy equipment, your feet deserve to be fully protected at all times. That is why we sell a range of high-quality safety footwear.

From standard safety boots to wellies and rigger boots, we have something for every customer and workplace environment. Browse our sturdy footwear today to prevent injury at work.