Resources

Foot Protection

Footwear: Protection From Multiple Hazards

Safety footwear is designed to protect against foot hazards in the workplace. Safety footwear protects against compression, puncture injuries, and impact.
Safety footwear is divided into three grades, which are indicated by colored tags and symbols. The tag color tells the amount of resistance the toe will supply to different weights dropped from different heights.

The symbol indicates the strength of the sole. For example, a triangle means puncture-resistant sole able to withstand 135 kg (300 ft. lips.) of pressure without being punctured by a 5 cm (2 inch) nail. See Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. For more information, look at Alberta's O. H. & S. Statute and Regulations or CSA Standard "Protective Footwear" 2195-M1981.

In construction, it is recommended that only the green triangle grade of footwear, which also gives ankle support, be used. You choice of protective footwear should always over protect, not under protect.

Foot Protection: Best Practices
Do Don't
  • Choose footwear according to job hazard and CSA Standards
  • Lace up boot and tie laces securely; boots don't protect if they are a tripping hazard or fall off
  • Use a protective boot dressing to help the boot last longer and provide greater water resistance (wet boots conduct current).
  • Choose a high cut boot to provide ankle support (less injuries)
  • Wear defective safety footwear (i.e., exposed steel toe caps)
  • Under protect your feet or modify safety footwear