Safety Footwear

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Workplace HazardsThere is no workplace environment where a worker is invulnerable to foot injury. In fact, one of the leading causes of non-fatal injury in the UK is slips, trips and falls, accounting for an estimated 119,000 cases on annual average 2013/14 – 2015/16 (HSE). However, the specific hazards a worker may face differ according to the workplace and the types of tasks performed. Common hazards include:

• Slippery floors or littered walkways

• Loose nails, metal or glass objects

• Unguarded machinery

• Falling objects

• Moving vehicles

• Molten metal and chemical splashes

• Static electricity

Reducing the RiskPersonal protective equipment (PPE) is a workers last line of defence, meaning potential risk factors should always be removed or reduced first where possible. For example, a policy to clean up any spills immediately can reduce the risk of slips in the workplace. Similarly, the risk of puncture injuries can be decreased by ensuring loose nails, metal or glass objects are kept off the floor.

For those who work on site, in a trade or in a physically demanding job, comfortable and protective footwear is vital. In fact, it is often a legal requirement to wear safety footwear in workplaces that use power tools, heavy machinery or cutting equipment.

Here at Swift360, we have over 20 years experience in working closely with businesses of every size and industry. In this time, we’ve learnt a great deal about selecting the right footwear for the job and how to equip workers with the best practices for correct fit and footwear maintenance.

The aim of this guide is to share our knowledge with you, so you can ensure you’re putting your best foot forward safely every time you set to work.

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Getting the Right FitImproper footwear that does not fit the wearer correctly can cause or exaggerate existing foot problems including aching feet, blisters, calluses, rheumatism, fallen arches, sprains, arthritis and more. For this reason, it is important to make sure your footwear is the correct size and fits properly from the very beginning.

1. Fit• Place your foot into

the footwear• Place your index finger into

the footwear, behind your heel• If the gap is too tight you may

need a larger size• If your feet are different sizes,

you should judge on the larger foot

2. Lace• Make sure you sit down when

lacing any footwear

• Tap your heel on the back of the footwear and place your foot firmly on the ground, ensuring consistent pressure

• Begin lacing all the way to the top of the footwear

• Use as many hoops/hooks/eyes as possible, however you should avoid any uncomfortable pressure points

• Tie the laces securely, which will help reduce rubbing on the heel

3. Feel• Stand up to see if the footwear is

a good fit

• If your toes touch the end of the footwear then you will need a larger size

• Take a quick walk to get a feel for the footwear and whether it has any uncomfortable pressure points

• You can also test the flex; if the material creases too much you may require a size up

• It’s also a good idea to wear the type of socks you’ll be wearing during your work when trying on footwear

Noting down the size, style and make of the footwear which is selected can also be useful for future reference.

Comfort is KeyIn addition to having the correct sized footwear, there are other ways to increase comfort:

• Wearing thick, comfortable, moisture wicking socks will improve comfort and prevent feet from getting too hot or cold

• By wearing trousers over the top of your footwear, you can reduce the risk of any contaminants or hazards falling into the footwear

• Feet should be kept warm, clean and dry to avoid discomfort

• If laces become worn, they should be replaced immediately to ensure a good fit

• If possible, it’s recommended that you wear in your footwear before beginning work as they will feel more comfortable if you get used to them gradually

Check the SpecsYou should always make sure your safety footwear provides the appropriate level of protection for the work you are doing. The codes on the inside label will help determine what kind of protection your footwear offers.

Footwear MaintenanceTo gain the longest wear life out of your footwear, it’s important to maintain them through regular cleaning and treatment:

1. Cleaning• Dirt and mud should be brushed off

the footwear once it has dried• Wipe your footwear with a clean,

damp cloth if needed• Footwear should not be washed in

a washing machine as exposure to detergents can harm stitching and bonding

2. Drying• Allow footwear to dry naturally at

room temperature• You can stuff footwear with paper to

absorb moisture and keep the shape of the product during drying

3. Treatment• Leather waterproof footwear must

be treated with waterproofing and conditioning sprays and/or creams

4. Storage• Ensure laces are undone before

removing your footwear to retain their shape and longevity

• Footwear should be kept in dust-free and mildly humid environments to help maintain good condition

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Safety FootwearChoosing your Footwear The provision of safety footwear is essential in many different working environments, meaning requirements can vary wildly depending on the specific job. Additionally, whilst protection is an essential component of safety footwear, we also understand the need for comfort and good design for workers who are on their feet for extended periods of time.

This is why we provide a comprehensive range of footwear with varying styles and capabilities to meet the needs of your workforce whatever the hazards.

LegislationEN ISO 20345: 2011 is the current standard for safety footwear. The legislation has been in place since 31st July 2013 and any footwear manufactured after this date must adhere to its requirements. However, footwear manufactured before this date may have been tested to the previous standard. The exact standard to which the footwear conforms must be identified on the product label within the footwear.

In addition to the other requirements of the standard, EN ISO 20345: 2011 requires the inclusion of a 200 joule toecap for impact protection, whether it’s made from steel, aluminium or other composite material.

Classification Categories

SHORT CODES

SB P A FO E WRU HRO CI HI Waterproof

TOE

PROTECTION

PENETRATION RESISTANCE

ANTI-STATIC PROTECTION

FUEL & OIL RESISTANCE

ENERGY ABSORPTION

WATER RESISTANT UPPER

HEAT RESISTANT OUTSOLE

COLD INSULATION

HEAT INSULATION

100% WATERPROOF

SB

SBP

S1

S1P

S2

S3

S4

S5

Sometimes a short code is followed by an additional category code which the footwear has been tested to.

S2CI

S3HI

Safety Ratings & Additional Features

SIZE GUIDEEURO 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42

UK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8EURO 43 44 46 47 48 49 50

UK 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Safety RatingsSB Meets all the minimum requirements of the standard.

SBP As above, with the addition of a protective midsole.

S1 Contains the features of an SB rating, with the addition of an anti-static sole, oil resistant sole and energy absorption heel area.

S1P Contains the features of an S1 rating, with the addition of midsole penetration protection.

S2 Contains the features of an S1 rating, with the addition of water resistant upper as standard.

S3 Contains the features of an S2 rating, with the addition of a protective midsole.

S4 Contains the features of an S1 rating, with the addition of a fully waterproof feature.

S5 Contains the features of an S4 rating, with the addition of a protective midsole.

Additional FeaturesAdditional protective features can be present in footwear and are identified by the following:

A Anti-static properties to significantly reduce the build-up of static charge and provide limited protection against electric shock.

FO Resistance to the high slip properties of fuel oil.

E Energy absorbing heels to reduce discomfort and provide protection from uneven terrain and varying heights.

P Protection from upward midsole penetration provided by a steel midsole insert, an aluminium midsole insert or by a Kevlar insole.

WRU A water resistant upper which resists a limited amount of water but will eventually allow moisture through.

HRO An outsole with heat resistance of up to 300oC for 60 seconds.

CI Insulation against cold, tested for 30 minutes at -20oC.

HI Insulation against heat, tested for 30 minutes at 150oC.

ESD Designed for use around munitions and explosives, the footwear must meet the following standard: ESD CEI EN61240-5-1.

ANTI-SLIP SOLE

METATARSAL GUARD

ELECTRO STATIC DISCHARGEESDCONDUCTIVE

SOLECONDUCTIVE

COMPOSITE TOECAP

STEELMIDSOLE

METAL-FREECOMPOSITE MIDSOLE

WATERPROOFBREATHABLE

COLD INSULATED

HEAT RESISTANT SOLE

ANTI-STATIC SOLE

METAL TOECAP

Slip ResistanceSlips and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injury, meaning slip resistant footwear can be a necessary safety measure in many working environments. The current safety standard for slip resistant footwear is EN 13287, which contains the SRA, SRB and SRC ratings.

SRA Tested on a ceramic surface with a cleanser as lubricant.

SRB Tested on a steel surface with a glycerine lubricant.

SRC Tested on both criteria.