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The difference between work and safety footwear

HOW TO CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY FOOTWEAR WITH A TOECAP?

Safety footwear is an indispensable part of a modern protective work gear set. Not only can they be used in various areas of work but are also part of mandatory worker protection in certain industries.

In the European Union, the field of personal safety equipment is governed by an EU regulation, which states that personal protective equipment must have the CE mark. With this the manufacturer ensures that the product meets essential requirements for safety, health, and environmental protection according to European regulations.

One fifth of workplace accidents result in foot injuries. Work footwear, as well as other personal protective equipment (PPE), must be provided by the employer and replaced with new ones when necessary. All equipment should be regularly maintained and stored, equipped with instructions, and replaced with new products when worn out. Employees must wear shoes while working in areas or workplaces where it is necessary. The labour inspection is entitled to sanction the employer if they do not equip their employees with appropriate PPE or do not ensure that it is worn during work hours.

When buying and choosing new work footwear, one must pay attention to ensure that they provide a sufficient level of safety and protection, that they are comfortable and aesthetic, and that they meet the requirements of your workplace. At the same time, it is also important to choose the appropriate material and shape of the shoe.



The difference between work and safety footwear?

Work (professional) and safety footwear differs from each other according to the presence of a protective cap in the toe area.
Work footwear does not have a protective toecap and has the EN ISO 20347 standard. It is suitable for working environments where there is a small chance of injury due to mechanical influences.
Safety footwear has a toecap that reliably protects the foot from pressure and shocks of up to 200 joules of energy and has the EN ISO 20345 standard. It should be used where there is a risk of injury due to a fall of a heavy object, impact, or sharp objects.

What both standards have in common is that the footwear is antistatic, resistant to oils and fuels, and dampens vibrations in the heel area.



Work footwear

As already mentioned, work footwear does not have a protective cap and is marked with the EN ISO 20347 standard, within which the shoes can be given the basic designation OB, O1, O2 and O4.

Shoes with the OB mark are antistatic, resistant to oils and fuels, dampen vibrations in the heel area, are non-slip and have the option of an open heel. Shoes marked O1 have the same characteristics as OB and a closed heel. Shoes marked O2 have the same characteristics as O1 and are waterproof for a minimum of 60 minutes. Work boots marked O4 are plastic or made of rubber for wet areas, so that water cannot enter the shoe and have a closed heel part.



Low work footwear Maestral black



High work footwear Bura black








Safety footwear with a toecap

Safety footwear has a protective toecap and is marked with the EN ISO 20345 standard, which defines the basic markings: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5.

Shoes marked S1 have a protective toecap (SB), an oil and fuel resistant sole (FO), are antistatic (A) and relieve tension in the heel of the shoe (E). Shoes marked S2 have the same characteristics as S1, but additionally allow and absorb moisture (WRU). Shoes marked S3 have the same characteristics that apply to S2, in addition they have a puncture-proof insole (P). With the symbols S4 and S5 we denote safety boots. Boots marked S4 have the same characteristics as shoes marked S2, which means that the boots have a protective toecap. Boots marked S5 have the same protective properties as shoes marked S3, which means they have a protective toecap and an anti-puncture insole.



Low safety footwear grey color



High safety footwear black color




What types of toecaps do we know in safety footwear?

Protective toecaps are placed on the shoes to provide impact and compression resistance. Traditionally, these were steel caps to protect the toes, but now there is a whole range of materials available for making toecaps.

Aluminum toecaps are light and high-quality alternative to steel, but recently plastic and composite non-metallic materials have also entered the market of work footwear. A toecap made from a composite of two or more materials is ideal for those who work in environments with extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Non-metallic materials do not conduct heat, cold or electricity, which makes them safe and reliable.

How to properly clean and care for safety footwear?

Shoes must meet many safety requirements, but at the same time they are exposed to heavy wear and dirt. The better you take care of them, the longer they are of use to you. Therefore, check them regularly for possible damage and if your work boots are dirty, first brush off the dry dirt, then rinse them with water and dry them well. 

To prevent the formation of unpleasant odours, we suggest that you do not wear the same shoes every day in the initial phase. This gives them the opportunity to ventilate properly. If your shoes get wet while working, let them dry.

Check out our assortment of footwear, both work and safety footwear with a toecap in our online store. We would be happy to advise you and help you choose the most appropriate footwear for your needs.