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Making Sense of the New Safety Shoe Standards for Better Workplace Protection
- by Mike Johnson
Ever wondered if your safety shoes are doing enough to keep you protected?
Picture this: You’re working on a slippery ladder or walking across an oil-slick site. You trust your boots to hold firm... but can they really?
With the recent update to safety shoe standards under EN ISO 20345:2022, it’s time to understand what these changes mean for you and your feet.
The updates might sound overwhelming at first, but don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll simplify the new safety shoe standards, explain what’s changed, and highlight why these improvements are essential for better workplace protection.
Why the New Safety Shoe Standards Matter
Safety footwear isn’t just about comfort; it’s a lifeline in tough environments. Whether you’re on construction sites, in warehouses, or working outdoors, accidents can happen when you least expect it.
From slips and falls to nail punctures, the right safety footwear can mean the difference between staying safe or ending up injured.
The introduction of EN ISO 20345:2022 sets stricter standards to ensure that your safety shoes provide better protection for the challenges you face daily. It covers everything, from water resistance to ladder grip (LG) - making safety shoes smarter, stronger, and safer.
Key Changes in EN ISO 20345:2022
The new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard builds on the foundation of the previous 2011 framework, addressing modern workplace needs with enhanced safety measures. Here are the most significant updates:
Slip Resistance as a Basic Requirement
Slip resistance has become a fundamental requirement for all safety shoes under the new standard. Shoes must undergo rigorous testing on ceramic tiles coated with sodium lauryl sulphate, simulating slippery surfaces often encountered in workplaces.
This ensures workers remain steady and confident, even on slick or unpredictable terrain. The previous “SRA” standard is now the benchmark for slip protection, giving workers better grip and stability.
New Ladder Grip (LG) Certification
For professionals working on ladders - whether in construction, maintenance, or logistics - stability is non-negotiable. The new Ladder Grip (LG) rating addresses this directly by improving traction on ladder rungs.
Footwear with LG certification offers enhanced grip and reduces the risk of slips or falls when ascending or descending ladders. This is especially beneficial for those frequently working at heights where stability is crucial.
Enhanced Nail Penetration Protection
The updated standard introduces a more refined classification for nail penetration resistance, offering tailored levels of protection depending on workplace hazards:
- P: Tested with metallic soles and a 4.5mm nail for basic protection.
- PL: For non-metallic soles tested with a 4.5mm nail, providing lighter, flexible safety.
- PS: Non-metallic soles tested with a 3mm nail, offering superior protection due to the smaller nail’s higher pressure point.
This evolution ensures workers have better protection from sharp objects, particularly in construction sites, warehouses, and other environments with risks of nail punctures.
New Protection Classes
Safety footwear is divided into protection classes based on the level of safety they provide. Under the previous EN ISO 20345:2011 standard, there were six main classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5.
The new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard introduces two additional protection classes S6 and S7 to meet the growing demands for waterproof and durable footwear in harsh conditions:
- S6: Includes waterproofing alongside slip resistance, nail penetration resistance, and other essential features.
- S7: Builds on S6 with additional advanced protection, making it ideal for extreme weather conditions and hazardous sites.
These new classes ensure professionals working in wet, muddy, or cold environments remain safe, dry, and focused on their tasks.
Resistance to Hydrocarbons (FO)
Exposure to oil, petrol, and other hydrocarbons can weaken shoe materials over time, reducing their durability and grip. The updated standard now includes FO testing as an added protection feature.
Safety shoes with this certification are designed to resist the degrading effects of hydrocarbons, ensuring a longer lifespan and safer use in industrial, automotive, or oil-heavy workplaces.
Why These Updates Matter for You
For professionals working in harsh and unpredictable environments, these changes ensure you’re equipped with more reliable safety shoes that:
- Keep you steady on slippery surfaces.
- Provide extra grip when climbing ladders.
- Protect against punctures and hazards.
- Deliver true waterproofing, so your feet stay dry no matter what.
The bottom line? The new standards aren’t just a technical update - they directly impact your safety and confidence on the job.
How the New Standards Apply to You
While the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard is already in place, there’s no need to panic. A transition period extends until November 2029, meaning you’ll still encounter shoes certified under the older 2011 standard for some time.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check Your Current Shoes: Are they still performing effectively? If they’re worn out or damaged, it’s time to upgrade.
- Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify new workplace hazards that require better-rated safety footwear.
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Invest in Updated Standards: Look for boots certified under EN ISO 20345:2022 to future-proof your safety gear.
The Latest Safety Boots That Meet the New Standards
When it comes to choosing the right safety footwear, you need boots that tick all the boxes under the updated standard. Brands like Apache and Dewalt offer boots that meet the new S7 rating, providing superior protection, grip, and durability.
Waterproof, breathable, and lightweight with a superior GTS Grip Traction System. These boots deliver excellent grip and stability while keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
With side zips for easy wear, Cordura panels for added durability, and non-metallic protection, these boots are perfect for demanding environments. The ladder grip (LG) ensures steady footing when working at heights.
Combining a steel toe cap, midsole protection, and true waterproofing, these boots are built for tough jobs. The PU/TPU outsole features oil resistance, slip resistance, and ladder grip for complete safety.
Note: Each of these boots is designed to meet the EN ISO 20345:2022 standards while offering unmatched comfort, protection, and durability.
Why Proper Safety Shoes Boost Workplace Protection
Investing in the right safety shoes is more than just a requirement - it’s about protecting your team and improving performance. Shoes that meet the updated standards:
- Reduce accidents caused by slips, punctures, and falls.
- Enhance comfort and reduce fatigue for all-day performance.
- Improve durability, saving you money on replacements.
For professionals working in construction, warehousing, and industrial settings, the new safety shoe standards ensure you have the right gear to tackle any challenge safely.
The Active Workwear Difference
At Active Workwear, we take workplace safety seriously. That’s why we offer a carefully curated range of safety boots that meet the new EN ISO 20345:2022 standards. Whether you need waterproof S7-rated boots or enhanced ladder grip (LG) certification, we’ve got you covered.
We stock trusted brands like Apache and Dewalt, ensuring you get high-quality footwear that combines protection, performance, and comfort. Plus, with our commitment to fast delivery and competitive pricing, upgrading your safety gear has never been easier.
Conclusion: Stay Protected with Safety Shoes That Meet the New Standards
The introduction of the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard marks a significant step forward in workplace protection. With enhanced slip resistance, ladder grip, and nail penetration protection, the latest safety shoes offer unmatched safety for professionals working in tough conditions.
Don’t wait until it’s too late - invest in safety boots that meet the new standards today. Visit Active Workwear to explore our range of Apache and Dewalt safety boots and step up your workplace protection.
Your safety matters. Your comfort matters. Choose safety shoes that do both.
FAQs: Understanding the New Safety Shoe Standards (EN ISO 20345:2022)
1. What is the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard for safety shoes?
The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard is the updated benchmark for safety footwear. It includes stricter requirements like improved slip resistance, ladder grip certification (LG), enhanced nail penetration protection, and new waterproof protection classes (S6 and S7). These updates ensure better safety, durability, and protection for professionals working in tough environments.
2. What are the key differences between EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20345:2022?
The main updates include mandatory slip resistance testing, the introduction of ladder grip (LG) certification, enhanced nail penetration resistance codes (P, PL, and PS), and two new protection classes—S6 and S7—that offer waterproofing. These changes address modern workplace challenges and ensure improved protection.
3. What do the new protection classes S6 and S7 mean for safety footwear?
The S6 protection class includes waterproofing along with other key safety features like slip resistance and nail penetration protection. S7 builds on S6, offering advanced waterproofing and additional safety enhancements. Both are ideal for workers in wet, muddy, or extreme environments.
4. What is the ladder grip (LG) certification, and why is it important?
The ladder grip (LG) certification ensures that safety shoes provide extra traction on ladder rungs. This feature is essential for workers in construction, maintenance, and logistics, reducing the risk of slips and falls when working at heights.
5. When do I need to upgrade to safety shoes under the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard?
You don’t need to upgrade immediately. The transition period lasts until November 2029, during which footwear certified under EN ISO 20345:2011 remains legal. However, upgrading to boots certified under the 2022 standard is recommended if your current shoes are worn out, damaged, or no longer meet new workplace hazard requirements.
6. Which safety boots meet the new EN ISO 20345:2022 standards?
Trusted brands like Apache and Dewalt offer safety boots that comply with the updated standards. Examples include the Apache S7 Waterproof Composite Safety Boot – Thompson, Apache Combat High-Leg Boot, and Dewalt Mentor S7 Waterproof Safety Boot. These boots provide advanced features like slip resistance, ladder grip (LG), and superior waterproofing to keep you safe and comfortable on the job.
