How can businesses choose the right PPE footwear for every role?

PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment, is essential in a number of industries. From builders to welders, gardeners to zoo keepers, it is important that workers are kept as safe as possible.

One key bit of PPE is specialised footwear. Injuries to the feet can be painful and life-altering to your employee, as well as costly and difficult for your business. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right PPE footwear for your staff. 

Identifying role-specific hazards in the workplace

When thinking about PPE in general, certain industries immediately stand out. Construction, catering and warehouse work are among the most common that need PPE.

Workers in these industries face potential hazards such as heavy impact, slips, chemical exposure and many more daily. Before you think about implementing or upgrading PPE, take time to think about the risks your staff face. 

Understanding the PPE safety footwear standards and ratings

The main bit of legislation relating to PPE footwear is EN ISO 20345:2022. This lays out the minimum standards for safety footwear, such as the amount of pressure a steel toe cap should be able to resist and the slip test that shoes must pass to be called safety footwear. 

All shoes should be classified according to these standards. There are 18 different classifications, all relating to different properties. LG, for example, denotes shoes which are suitable for climbing ladders, and WR denotes water-resistant shoes. 

Balancing protection, comfort and ergonomics

Traditionally, PPE hasn’t been the most comfortable to wear, leading to improper use, which can cause accidents.

Modern versions of safety footwear do take comfort and ergonomics into consideration as well as protection. Ankle support, for example, is the perfect combination of comfort and protection, especially in roles where falls and slips are possible. 

Supplier verification and product certification checks

As with all equipment for your business, it is essential that you vet your suppliers. Look for third-party test reports, any standard markings and warranties. These factors will give you confidence that they are a legitimate footwear supplier.

There have been incidents recently where substandard safety shoes have had to be recalled from platforms like TikTok. They claimed to be PPE shoes, but did not meet the standards required by the regulations in place. If these shoes had been allowed to be used, accidents could have occurred. 

Ongoing review: Changing roles, new risks and lifecycle management 

Roles in most businesses are always evolving, so the need for specialist footwear needs to evolve with it. Your worker could be involved in more outdoor work or undertake training to work with chemicals. This can introduce hazards which were not previously an issue. 

Periodic reviews of both the role and the footwear associated with it will ensure it remains suitable. Reviews are also good for spotting any issues, such as wear and tear and outdated boots. Making sure your footwear is top of the range and performing as well as it can is the best way to keep your workforce safe.