Who should wear safety shoes?

Safety shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any employee who is at risk of foot injuries in the workplace. Properly selected shoes increase safety and comfort by protecting against impacts, slips and chemical substances. Depending on the specific nature of the work, it is possible to choose from different categories of safety shoes, adapted to specific hazards. Wearing safety shoes is an effective way to protect your feet and meet health and safety requirements in the workplace.

What is the definition of safety shoes?

In the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment, we can find information that safety footwear is intended to be worn by the user to protect the feet against risks that may affect their health or safety. They protect against mechanical, chemical, thermal and other hazards in the workplace.

Legal regulations regarding the use of safety shoes in various professions

According to current legal regulations, employers are obliged to provide appropriate safety shoes to employees whose work involves the risk of injury. According to the standards, safety shoes should meet specific requirements regarding materials, construction and protective function.

Want to know more? Find out about the changes to the standard for safety shoes. By providing suitable safety shoes, you can significantly improve the safety of your employees and comply with current health and safety regulations.

Employees exposed to foot injuries at work

Safety shoes in the construction and industrial sectors

In the construction and industrial sectors, where workers are exposed to intensive contact with tools, machines and heavy materials, safety shoes are an absolute necessity. Work shoes in these sectors often have non-slip soles that minimise the risk of slipping on wet or slippery surfaces. In addition, special inserts or protective caps on the shoes protect against puncturing the foot with sharp objects, which is especially important when working on construction sites, in production halls or in warehouses.

When is safety footwear necessary in office work?

Although office work is generally associated with a low risk of injury, there are situations in which safety footwear may be necessary. Office workers who perform tasks that require working with heavy objects or machines or in rooms where there is a risk of slipping (e.g. on a wet surface) should make sure they have the right footwear. Many offices also have storage areas where heavy objects are stored and could cause injury if they fall.

People working in areas with a high risk of slipping

In industries where work surfaces are exposed to moisture, such as in catering, hotels or workplaces with water, safety shoes with non-slip soles are essential. In places such as kitchens, bathrooms or swimming pools, the risk of slipping on wet surfaces is high. Safety shoes not only reduce the risk of injury, but also protect the feet from the cold and moisture, ensuring comfort at work in difficult conditions.

Security and rescue service workers and safety shoes

Employees of security services, rescue services, firefighters and police officers, who often have to deal with difficult conditions, require specialised safety shoes. Shoes used in these professions should provide protection against fire and high temperatures, as well as ensure comfort during long working hours. For firefighters, shoes must be resistant to high temperatures and fire, which is crucial during rescue operations. In addition, rescue footwear is equipped with additional elements, such as protective inserts, which protect against injuries when moving in difficult terrain.

The importance of safety footwear in the medical and chemical industries

In the medical sector, where hygiene and safety are of utmost importance, the right safety shoes are essential. Employees in hospitals, clinics and laboratories are often exposed to hazards such as bodily fluids, chemicals and changing sanitary conditions. Safety shoes in this case protect not only against mechanical injuries, but also against infections, preventing the transfer of germs from one place to another. In medical facilities, special attention is paid to the convenience and comfort of shoes, as medical personnel spend many hours on their feet.

Summary

Safety shoes are an important part of ensuring safety in the workplace. The right shoes protect employees from various hazards, such as mechanical injuries, slipping or contact with chemicals. Depending on the industry in which they work, people employed in construction, industry, emergency services, medical services or even offices can benefit from a variety of safety shoes that are adapted to specific hazards. Compliance with health and safety regulations and the regular use of safety shoes improve safety and comfort at work. That is why it is so important that employers take care to choose the right safety shoes that not only meet the standards, but also ensure comfort and effective protection for their employees.