PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-009

Safety Footwear Selection

Personal Protective Equipment › Specific › Safety Footwear Selection

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Safety footwear protects feet from crushing, puncture, slips, chemical splash, and electrical hazards.
All construction site safety boots must meet BS EN ISO 20345 as a minimum standard.
S3 rated boots are the most common choice for construction: steel toe, midsole, water resistant, and cleated sole.
Steel midsoles protect against puncture from nails, screws, and sharp objects on the ground.
Composite toe caps and midsoles are lighter than steel and do not conduct cold or trigger metal detectors.
Ankle support boots reduce the risk of sprains and fractures on rough, uneven construction terrain.
Slip-resistant soles with deep tread are essential for wet, muddy, and oily site conditions.
Specialist footwear is available for welding, chemical handling, electrical work, and chainsaw use.
Safety footwear must be replaced when the sole tread wears smooth, the toe cap is dented, or waterproofing fails.
Employers must provide suitable safety footwear free of charge under the PPE at Work Regulations 2022.

Prevent foot injuries	Crushed toes, puncture wounds, and broken ankles are among the most common construction site injuries and are largely preventable.
Slip prevention	Falls caused by inadequate footwear grip on wet or contaminated surfaces result in fractures and time off work.
Legal requirement	The PPE at Work Regulations 2022 require employers to assess risks and provide suitable footwear at no cost to workers.

Don't

Wear S3 rated safety boots as a minimum on all construction sites.
Check that your boots have undamaged toe caps and intact midsole protection.
Choose boots with ankle support for working on rough or uneven ground.
Replace footwear when sole tread wears smooth or waterproofing fails.
Select specialist footwear for welding, chemical, or chainsaw tasks.
Ensure boots fit correctly; poorly fitting footwear causes blisters and fatigue.
Clean and dry boots regularly to maintain their protective performance.
Inspect boot soles for embedded nails, glass, or debris after each shift.
Use waterproof boots with insulation in cold, wet winter conditions.
Report damaged or worn-out footwear and request replacement from your employer.

DON'T wear trainers, wellington boots, or casual shoes on construction sites.
DON'T continue wearing boots with damaged toe caps or worn-through soles.
DON'T assume all safety boots are suitable for every construction task.
DON'T ignore poor fit; blisters and discomfort cause distraction and accidents.
DON'T wear boots without midsole protection where puncture risks exist on site.
DON'T use steel toe cap boots for electrical work; choose composite alternatives.
DON'T dry wet boots on heaters or radiators as this damages the materials.
DON'T lend your safety footwear to others; boots must fit the wearer correctly.
DON'T walk through chemical spills in standard boots without specialist protection.
DON'T refuse replacement footwear offered by your employer when yours are worn.

See also: PPE Awareness and Responsibilities | Correct PPE for the Task

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