Work shoes are an indispensable part of the set of modern work equipment protection. Not only can they be used in various areas of work, but in individual industries they are a mandatory part of worker protection.
In the European Union, the field of personal protective equipment is regulated by the EU regulation, which states that personal protective equipment must have a CE mark, with which the manufacturer undertakes that the product meets the essential requirements for safety, health and environmental protection according to European regulations.
Almost one fifth of workplace accidents are foot injuries. Work shoes and all other personal protective equipment can be provided by the employer. All equipment must be regularly maintained and stored, equipped with instructions for safe use and replaced with new products when only these are worn out. Workers must wear work shoes when working in workplaces and work areas where prescribed. The labor inspectorate can sanction all employers if they do not provide their workers with adequate work equipment and the use of equipment during working hours.
When buying and choosing new work shoes, you must pay attention to ensure that they provide a sufficient level of safety and protection, that they are comfortable, functional 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.
Differences between work boots with a toe cap and work boots without a toe cap?
Work shoes with a cap and work shoes without a cap differ from each other according to the presence of a protective cap in the toe area.
Work shoes without a protective cap have the EN ISO 20347 standard. They are suitable for work where there is a small chance of injury due to mechanical influences.
Work shoes with a cap that reliably protects the foot from pressure and shocks of up to 200 joules of energy have the EN ISO 20345 standard. They are used where there is a risk of injury due to the fall of a heavy object, impact or sharp objects.
Both standards have in common that the work boots are antistatic, resistant to oils and fuels and dampen vibrations in the heel area.
Work shoes without cap
As already mentioned, work shoes do not have a protective cap and are marked with the EN ISO 20347 standard, within which the shoes can be given the basic designation OB, O1, O2 and O4.
Work 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. Work shoes marked O1 have the same characteristics as OB and a closed heel. Work 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 rubber boots for wet areas, so that water cannot enter the shoe and with a closed heel part.
Work shoes with cap
Protective work shoes have a protective cap and are marked with the EN ISO 20345 standard, which defines the basic markings: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5.
Safety work shoes marked S1 have a protective cap (SB), oil and fuel resistant sole (FO), are antistatic (A) and relieve stress in the heel of the shoe (E). Safety shoes marked S2 have the same characteristics as S1, but additionally allow and absorb moisture (WRU). Safety shoes marked S3 have the same characteristics that apply to S2, in addition they have a puncture-proof sole insert that makes the safety shoes resistant to punctures (P). With the symbols S4 and S4 we denote protective boots. Safety boots marked S4 have the same characteristics as safety shoes marked S2, which means they are safety boots with a protective cap. Safety boots marked S5 have the same protective properties as safety shoes marked S3, which means they have a protective cap and an anti-puncture insole.
What types of caps do we know on work boots?
Protective caps are placed on the shoes to provide impact and compression resistance. Traditionally, these were steel caps to protect the fingers, but now there is a whole range of materials available for making caps.
Aluminum caps are a light and high-quality alternative to steel caps, and recently plastic and composite non-metallic materials have also entered the work footwear market. A cap 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 work shoes?
Work shoes have to 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 you can use them. 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 odors, we suggest that you do not wear the same work 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 completely before putting them back on.
Check out the wide range of work boots with and without caps in our Pharsol Protect online store, where we are happy to advise you and help you choose.
