Knowing the specific needs of your workplace environment is a key consideration. Is there a potential risk from falling objects, sharp surfaces or metals, or are chemicals or electrical hazards another potential risk?

Refer to your risk assessment but also consider the following:

Hazard/risk	Considerations
Falling objects	Toe cap protection – steel or composite
Sharp objects/sole penetration	Steel or composite midsole protection
Metatarsal injury/crush risk	Metatarsal protector covering the bridge of the footwear
Cut protection (eg chainsaw)	Specialist chainsaw boots are available
Slippery surfaces	Non-slip sole
Acids/alkalis/chemicals	Acids/alkalis/chemicals resistant sole; know what type of acid/chemical is being used. Calling the supplier to check the footwear complies with requirements may be necessary
Heel/ankle support	Ankle protection; lace ups; shock absorbing heels
Molten metal	Foundry boots; calf protection
Extreme temperatures	Heat resistant soles; cold store boots/wellies (ensure insulation as well as breathable qualities)
Minor irritant substances	Rigger boots provide extra coverage
Biohazards	Easy-clean, machine washable
Long standing periods	Comfortable soles; insoles; shock-absorber heel
Wet/damp conditions	Safety wellingtons Source: adapted from Best Workwear

Selecting the correct footwear by use

As well as considering the hazards/risk involved in the job requiring safety footwear, procurers can also think about their industry – construction and healthcare sectors will have very different needs. For example:

Sector	Needs	Recommended
Agriculture	Protective toe caps and midsole; anti-static and anti-slip sole; waterproof	Safety wellingtons
Catering	Shock absorber heel; anti-slip sole; easy-clean/machine washable	Washable safety shoes
Construction	Protective 200 joule toe caps and midsole protection; secure fit; support	Standard safety boots
Cold store	Steel or composite toe cap and midsole; water resistant outer; sealed stitching; thermal lining	Cold store boot; specialist wellington
Foundry (welders)	Secure top preventing hot material falling onto feet; quick release buckles	Foundry boots; welder safety shoes
Forestry (chainsaw operators)	Good grip; protective guarding to the front, toe cap and midsole	Chainsaw boots (special hazard safety boots)
Healthcare	Non-slip sole; shock absorber heel; comfortable sole; easy-clean/machine washable	Washable slip on safety shoe/clog
Laboratory/chemical handling	Chemical resistance (to EN 13832-2; 13832-3)	Chemical resistant safety wellingtons; safety boots/shoes with chemical resistant sole for less hazardous environments
Warehouse	Protective toe cap; anti-static and anti-slip sole; oil and acid/alkali resistance	Safety boots/shoes to suit warehouse activities/environment

Class	Features & Benefits

SB	Safety basic, 200 joules Toe Protection, Oil Resistant outer sole. (Minimum Requirement)
SBP	As SB plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance.
S1	As SB plus Anti-Static properties and fully enclosed Energy Absorbing heel area.
S1P	As S1 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance.
S2	As S1 plus resistance to Water Penetration and absorption.
S3	As S2 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsole
S4	200 joules Toe Protection. All rubber or polymer construction (waterproof). Anti-Static properties, Energy Absorbing heel area.
S5	As S4 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsole.