Choosing the Right Protective Footwear for Your Workers

Like any other type of personal protective equipment such as respirators, hard hats, or reflective vests, selecting protective footwear (safety shoes or boots) is crucial for protecting your workers from common foot injuries or slips and falls on the job.

From 2013 to 2022, over 89,000 lost-time injury claims were approved by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario for falls on the same level. These injuries don’t even include incidents involving items dropping or rolling on and crushing the feet, punctures from nails, electrical shocks, chemical spills or molten metal contacts, extremely cold temperatures and frostbites, or awkward postures that lead to sprained ankles.

Before purchasing foot protection from a vendor, follow these 5 simple steps to ensure the right type of footwear is selected and used in your workplace. 

Step 1: Understand the potential foot hazards present.

To ensure the right type of footwear is selected, consider the tasks performed by your employees, materials and equipment they are exposed to, and the work environment.

Some of the hazards you should consider include: 

• Materials handled by workers
• Falling/striking objects
• Rolling equipment over feet
• Sharp objects cutting feet
• Penetration of soles by debris
• Corrosive/irritating substances
• Explosive atmospheres and static discharge
• Damage from static electricity
• Contact with live electrical conductors
• Uneven terrain risking ankle injury
• Extreme heat/cold causing burns or frostbite
• Slippery surfaces increasing falls
• Liquid penetration into footwear
• Rotating/cutting machinery hazards

Step 2: Review health and safety regulations for protective footwear requirements in your sector.

Certain regulations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act in Ontario require specific types of foot protection. For example, construction sites require CSA Grade 1 boots. Grade 1 indicates heavy duty protection like steel toes and puncture-resistant soles. Grade 2 provides lighter features. Electrical, slip and chemical resistance may also be required.

Step 3: Understand the different types of foot protection that exist.

Most protective footwear sold in Canada will comply with CSA Z195 standard. CSA protective footwear is designed to protect users from different hazards. For example, a green triangle label on a safety boot indicates the sole is puncture resistant and can withstand 125 joules of impact. This is a requirement for construction workplaces in Ontario. The label may also be a blue square to indicate the safety shoe protects the toes but does not protect sole puncture. There are several other types of protective footwear and it is important to understand what each can protect against. Your vendor should be able to help you.

Step 4: Consult your PPE vendor to review the different models of protective footwear they offer.

Knowing the following information before speaking with different vendors of protective footwear can help you select the right type.

• Regulatory requirements.
• Type of work performed.
• Hazards in the workplace, including punctures from nails, chainsaw use, explosive hazard areas, electric shock, plus others.
• Types of walking surfaces encountered and the need for greater slip resistance.
• Level of protection, or grade of toe cap required (Grade 1 or 2).
• Environmental conditions such as extreme cold.
• User comfort and fit (very important).

Step 5: Involve frontline workers when selecting protective footwear.

Their input is invaluable—comfortable safety shoes or safety boots leads to better compliance. Have workers try on various options and walk around to test sizing and fit. Proper toe room and lacing are crucial for safety. It is even recommended that fitting be done a few hours into a work shift as the feet can slightly swell.

Selecting protective footwear can be daunting. Trying different options and matching features to specific hazards takes time but ensures safety and compliance. Protect your workers’ feet and prevent slips and falls with informed footwear selection.