Footwear

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# Safety Footwear (cont.) ## How is footwear selected? (cont.) - Risk of objects falling onto or striking the feet. - Any material or equipment that might roll over the feet. - Any sharp or pointed objects that might cut the top of the feet. - Objects that may penetrate the bottom or side of the foot. - Possible exposure to corrosive or irritating substances. Possible explosive atmospheres, including the risk of static electrical discharges. - Risk of damage to sensitive electronic components or equipment due to the discharge of static electricity. - Risk of coming into contact with energized conductors of low to moderate voltage (e.g., 220 volts or less). - Type of walking surface and environmental conditions workers may be exposed to (e.g., loose ground cover, smooth surfaces, temperature, wet/oily, chemicals, etc.). Also, evaluate the following risks: - Ankle injury from uneven walking surfaces or rough terrain. - Foot injury due to exposure to extreme hot or cold. - Slips and falls on slippery walking surfaces. - Exposure to water or other liquids that may penetrate the footwear causes damage to the foot and the footwear. - Exposure to rotating or abrasive machinery (e.g., chainsaws or grinders). ## What should I know about the fit and care of safety footwear? Fit: - Try on new boots around midday. Feet normally swell during the day. - Walk in new footwear to ensure it is comfortable. - Boots should have ample toe room (toes should be about 12.5 mm from the front). Do not expect footwear to stretch with wear. - Make allowances for extra socks or special arch supports when buying boots. Try on your new boots with the supports or socks you usually wear at work. Check with the manufacturer if adding inserts affects your level of protection. - Boots should fit snugly around the heel and ankle when laced. Safety Footwear CCOHS

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# 1910.132(h) # Payment for protective equipment. ## 1910.132(h)(1) Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees. ## 1910.132(h)(2) The employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site. - 1910.132(h)(3) When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots. ## 1910.132(h)(4) The employer is not required to pay for: - 1910.132(h)(4)(i) - The logging boots required by 29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(v); 1910.132(h)(4)(ii) Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or 1910.132(h)(4)(iii) Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen. - 1910.132(h)(5) The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE. - 1910.132(h)(6) Submit Feedback

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# Safety Footwear (cont.) ## What symbols will be on the footwear? (cont.) <table><tr><th>C R</th><th>Red rectangle with white C letter indicates electrically conductive footwear.</th><th>For industrial work environments where low-power electrical changes can create a hazard for workers or equipment. Warning: This footwear should not be used where contact with live electrical conductors can occur.</th></tr><tr><td>M R</td><td>Dark grey rectangle with M letter indicates metatarsal protection. Note: Toe protection is required for all metatarsal protective footwear.</td><td>For industrial work environments where heavy objects can hurt the metatarsal region of the foot.</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>White label with green fir tree symbol footwear provides protection when using chainsaws.</td><td>For forestry workers and others who work with or around hand-held chainsaws and other cutting tools.</td></tr></table> NOTE: Footwear will also be marked to indicate the level of slip resistance. These markings may be on the packaging, the footwear, or on the product sheet. Note: Certain CSA Group standards are available for online viewing. To access these, you must first create an account with "CSA Communities". Go to: https://community.csagroup.org/login,jspa?referer=%252Findex.jspa Once you are logged in, click on the text below the "OHS Standards / View Access" graphic. Click on the jurisdiction of your choice to see the CSA Standards as referenced in that legislation. Standards may also be purchased from CSA Group: https://store.csagroup.org/ Fact sheet last revised: 2025-02-04 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Safety Footwear CCOHS

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# Safety Footwear (cont.) ## What should I know about the fit and care of safety footwear? (cont.) Lace up boots fully. High-cut boots provide support against ankle injury. ## Care: - Use a protective coating to make footwear water-resistant. - Inspect footwear regularly for damage (e.g., cracks in soles, breaks in leather, or exposed toe caps). - Repair or replace worn or defective footwear. - Electric shock resistance of footwear is greatly reduced by wet conditions and wear. - Footwear exposed to sole penetration or impact may not have visible signs of damage. Therefore, it is advisable to replace footwear after an event. ## What symbols will be on the footwear? The following symbols, or markings, will help you determine which footwear is appropriate for the job. Safety Footwear CCOHS

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# Safety Footwear (cont.) ## What symbols will be on the footwear? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="4">Selection of Safety Footwear</th></tr><tr><td>Marking</td><td></td><td>Criteria</td><td>Intended Application</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>R</td><td>Green triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toecap.</td><td>For heavy industrial work environments, especially that of construction where sharp objects (such as nails) are present.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>R</td><td>Yellow triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toecap.</td><td>For light industrial work environments requiring puncture protection as well as toe protection.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>R</td><td>Blue rectangle indicates a Grade 1 protective toecap with no puncture-resistant sole.</td><td>For industrial work environments not requiring puncture protection.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>R</td><td>Grey rectangle indicates a Grade 2 protective toecap with no puncture-resistant sole.</td><td>For industrial and non-industrial work environments not requiring puncture protection.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>White rectangle with orange Greek letter omega indicates electric-shock protective footwear.</td><td>For industrial work environments where accidental contact with live electrical conductors can occur. Warning: Electrical shock resistance deteriorates with wear and in a wet environment.</td></tr><tr><td>SD</td><td>R</td><td>Yellow rectangle with black SD letters indicates static- dissipative footwear.</td><td>For industrial work environments where a static discharge can create a hazard for workers or equipment. Warning: This footwear should not be used where contact with live electrical conductors can occur.</td></tr><tr><td>SE+</td><td>R</td><td>Yellow triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toecap. (super-static dissipative footwear)</td><td>For industrial work environments where a static discharge can create a hazard f…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Personal Protective Equipment # Safety Footwear On this page What should I know about safety. footwear? How is footwear selected? What should I know about the fit and care of safety footwear? What symbols will be on the footwear? ## What should I know about safety footwear? If you are at risk for foot injury at your workplace, you should wear the appropriate protective footwear. - If foot protection is required, set up a complete foot safety protection program, including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. - Safety footwear is designed to protect feet against a wide variety of injuries. Impact, compression, and puncture are the most common types of foot injury. - Choose footwear according to the hazard. Refer to CSA Standard Z195-14 (R2023) "Protective footwear" or other standards that are required in your jurisdiction. - Select CSA-certified footwear (or other certified footwear if permitted in your jurisdiction). Make sure that it has the proper rating for the hazard and the proper sole for the working conditions. - Use metatarsal protection (top of the foot between the toes and ankle) where there is a potential for injury. The OSH Answers section on Foot Comfort and Safety at Work has more information on foot care and selection of protective footwear. ## How is footwear selected? Footwear must be chosen based on the hazards that are present. Assess the workplace and work activities for: Materials handled or used by the worker. Safety Footwear CCOHS