What are the UK Regulations for Safety Footwear?

If you work in an environment where your typical day consists of lifting heavy loads, doing construction work, or working with hazardous materials, you will likely go through many pairs of safety boots. 

But what exactly are the UK regulations surrounding safety footwear? And who is permitted to wear them? Stick with us to find out.

The Importance of Safety Footwear

Safety footwear is more than just a requirement; it's a lifesaving investment. 

In work environments where you must work with hazardous materials and machinery, the right pair of safety boots can make all the difference in preventing severe injuries.

People working in construction, warehouses, and factories must wear safety footwear. They are designed to prevent crush injuries, falls, puncture wounds, and electrical hazards. 

Aside from safety benefits, this footwear style can provide arch support, cushioning, and breathable soles for hours of laborious work. Feeling comfortable and knowing you're protected from accidents can improve your confidence and focus on your work.

The Key Safety Footwear Regulations

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1999 requires employers to conduct risk assessments to identify hazards in the workplace, including those that would necessitate the use of safety footwear.

However, the key legislation that directly addresses safety footwear is the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. This requires employees to wear PPE, such as safety footwear, in environments prone to injury risk.

There are a few categories of safety footwear: 

  • SB: Basic protection, including a 200-joule toe cap.
  • S1: SB plus antistatic protection and energy absorption in the heel.
  • S2: S1 plus water resistance.
  • S3: S2 plus penetration resistance and cleated outsoles.
  • S4 and S5: Wellington boots, with S5 including midsole protection.

Compliance Standards for Safety Footwear

In addition, safety footwear must also comply with British and European standards like EN ISO 20345. This requires safety footwear to comply with certain standards, such as slip and puncture resistance and toe protection. 

Other relevant standards include: 

  1. EN ISO 20346: For protective footwear that doesn't require the same level of protection as safety footwear.
  2. EN ISO 20347: For occupational footwear used in less hazardous environments.
  3. ASTM F2412/F2413: For electrical hazard protection, particularly relevant in the electrical and energy sectors.

Employer Responsibilities

There are certain key responsibilities employers must follow to ensure the safety and compliance of their employees:

  1. Risk assessment: Hazards must be identified in the workplace to choose the required footwear. These should be reviewed regularly, especially with the implementation of new machinery. 
  2. Selection of safety footwear: The chosen Footwear should combat the hazards in the risk assessment. This footwear should be free of charge for employees, with various options available. 
  3. Training and education: Employees must be educated on how to safely use their footwear, and regular training should be conducted. 
  4. Maintenance and inspection: Footwear must be consistently checked, and worn-out or damaged shoes must be replaced immediately.
  5. Record and communication: Records of the date, size, and style of each pair of footwear should be kept. Signs indicating the need for safety footwear should be displayed at relevant locations within the workplace.
  6. Legal accountability: Employers should be prepared for potential audits by regulatory bodies like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Failure to comply will result in penalties or imprisonment. 

Employee Responsibilities

There are also certain responsibilities placed on the employee for safety footwear:

  1. Maintenance and care: Footwear should be inspected regularly for signs of damage and reported to the employer. Thorough cleaning is essential for longevity. 
  2. Compliance and training: Training sessions should be attended, and policies should be made known. 
  3. Personal footwear: Your own safety footwear must meet the same safety standards as employer-provided footwear and should be approved by the employer.
  4. Accountability: Employees can face disciplinary action for failing to wear appropriate safety footwear, which could even lead to termination or legal implications in the case of an accident.
  5. Hazard identification: This is mostly the employer's responsibility; however, employees must report any hazards that may damage safety footwear.

Browse our Safety Footwear at Greenbergs

Now that you know everything to do with safety footwear, have a look at our range to invest in a high-quality pair for your job requirements. 

With our budget options, these are affordable and efficient. Contact us today for more information.