The Ultimate Guide To Work Boot Safety Standards (ASTM, OSHA And ANSI)

Suppose you are working at the workplace with utter dedication and honesty with a dream to earn enough money to buy a decent house and bring your loved ones to Hawaii or Bora Bora one day. But with a small accident on your feet/ankle or knee, all your dreams may be shattered! And it could be due to saving a few bucks as you have bought non-standard safety work boots or you are not aware of work boot safety standards.

So folks .. will you stay this type of I-don’t-care-guy or enlighten yourself with the proper workplace safety standards – is completely up to you at the stake of your and your family’s future. But I suggest you be the I-know-and-I-care-guy ASAP.

Whether you’re working in a factory, on construction sites, or in a laboratory, your feet are exposed to potential danger from risky work environments – that is why having the right set of safety work boots is so important.

But, let’s face it, safety boot standards can be confusing. Did you know there are several universal standards for safety footwear that exist such as ASTM, OSHA, and ANSI?

Don’t be confused, that’s where we come in! We are here to demystify universal safety footwear standards and provide you with essential information about selecting the right pair of safety boots.

Common Workplace Injuries to Feet, Ankles, and Knees

When it comes to workplace injuries, feet, ankle, and knee injuries are among the most common. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including slips, trips, falls, heavy objects falling on the feet, and repetitive stress injuries. Here are some examples of common workplace injuries to feet, ankles, and knees:

Be Clear About The Purpose of the Work Boot Safety Standards Mate..

Work boot safety standards are in place to protect workers from common workplace injuries. These standards provide a set of guidelines for manufacturers to follow when designing and producing safety work boots. The purpose and importance of safety boot standards are:

• To ensure that safety boots provide adequate protection to the feet and lower limbs of workers.
• To reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, which can result in lost time and productivity.
• To promote worker safety and health by providing a safe and healthy work environment.
• To comply with government regulations and standards, including those set by ASTM, OSHA, and ANSI.
• To establish a minimum level of safety and performance requirements for safety work boots.

Wanna Know How Important The Safety Work Boots Are? Stats Talk..

We often don’t realize how much we rely on our ability to move around freely. It’s easy to walk to the other room to get something without giving it a second thought. But what if we couldn’t do these simple tasks due to an injury? How would we manage? And if the damage was permanent, the challenges would be even greater. It’s important to remember that proper footwear is just as crucial for preventing workplace injuries as protecting our eyes and hands.

Don’t trust my words? Believe the Numbers then!

Looking at this issue economically, we can examine some statistics.

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), out of a total of 1,176,340 injury incidents at the workplace in the year 2020, 192,340 injuries occurred to lower extremities (foot/knee/ankle) – which is almost 17% of the total.
• Assuming that approximately 10% of these injuries result in time off work, the median number of days missed due to a foot injury was 9 days.
• Workers missed approximately 110,000 days of work, according to the BLS study’s median average.
• The total amount of productive time lost was almost equivalent to over 300 calendar years, based on this information.

Let us inspect some graphical data:

So..What Really Are These Work Boot Safety Standards?

Workplace safety is not a one-time thing to consider; it’s an ongoing process that needs a proper understanding of the applicable laws and regulations on workplace safety, including your foot/ankle/knee safety. Some of those regulations include ASTM International (ASTM), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

ASTM International

ASTM International is a non-profit organization that develops, maintains, publishes, and promotes technical standards in various fields. Its safety standard relating to work boots addresses design requirements, tests, and marking as related to foot protection. The ASTM standard is organized into five key areas: design, material, performance requirements, test methods, and required markings. The primary goal of this standard is to provide the minimum amount of foot protection for workers in hazardous environments. The footwear safety-related standards are:

• ASTM F2412 specifies the test methods for determining the resistance of work boots to impact and compression.
• ASTM F2413 specifies the minimum performance requirements for work boots.

ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 Updates

ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 are the latest updates to these standards. Some of the key changes include:

1. Testing for Metatarsal Protection: The standards now include a test for metatarsal protection, which measures the level of protection provided by the work boot to the metatarsal bones in the foot.
2. New Sole Requirements: The standards now require that work boots have a puncture-resistant sole, which provides protection against sharp objects that can penetrate the sole of the boot.
3. Changes to Electrical Hazard Protection: The standards have been updated to include new requirements for electrical hazard protection. Work boots must now provide protection against electrical shock up to 18,000 volts.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA regulates workplace safety issues in the United States. It requires employers to provide workers with a safe working environment. OSHA does not specify which brand or type of work boot is best suited for the job, but it does require employers to provide employees with shoes that protect against slipping, tripping, electrical hazards, and foot injuries. Employers are required under OSHA standards to provide protective shoes for workers who operate in the following danger zones for foot injuries:

• Falling/rolling heavy objects onto feet
• Slippery surface
• Heated surface
• Puncture-creating sharp objects that can injure feet
• Poisonous/corrosive materials
• Electric hazard

The ASTM International standards, which establish minimum performance requirements for diverse workplace hazards, must be followed by protective footwear as per OSHA.

OSHA 1910.136

OSHA 1910.136 is the standard that specifies the requirements for protective footwear in the workplace. The standard requires that employers provide protective footwear to their employees when there is a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, or when there is a risk of electrical hazards.

OSHA 1926.28

OSHA 1926.28 is the standard that specifies the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry. The standard requires that employers provide their employees with appropriate PPE, including work boots when working in hazardous environments.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

ANSI is a private organization dedicated to the development of standards for products, services and processes used in the United States. It works closely with OSHA in regulating workplace safety measures by providing standard specifications for personal protective equipment (PPE). ANSI’s work boot standards address slip resistance, electrical insulation, foot protection and chemical resistance.

ANSI Z41

ANSI Z41 is the standard that specifies the requirements for protective footwear in the workplace. The standard specifies the minimum performance requirements for work boots, including impact resistance, compression resistance, and electrical hazard protection.

ANSI Z41-1999 Updates

The latest update to ANSI Z41 was in 1999. While the standard is no longer in use, it’s important to note that it has been replaced by the ASTM F2412 and F2413 standards.

Some Confusion-busting Regarding ASTM, OSHA and ANSI

Well mate.. these standards are always confusing! Who does what and what to follow over what – these are always burning confusions in the industry. So let’s clear those in very short words:

ASTM vs ANSI

• Both ASTM International and ANSI are organizations that develop and publish technical standards for various products, including safety work boots.
• While ASTM is focused on creating standards for materials and products, ANSI develops standards for workplace safety practices, equipment, and procedures.
• The ASTM F2413 standard for safety footwear covers minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and labeling of safety work boots, while the ANSI Z41 standard is an older version that is now obsolete.

In summary, ASTM provides the technical standards for safety work boots, while ANSI focuses on developing safety standards for the workplace.

ASTM vs OSHA

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that regulates workplace safety in the United States.
• While OSHA does not have its own standard for safety work boots, it requires employers to provide their employees with footwear that meets certain safety standards, such as those established by ASTM.
• OSHA can issue citations and fines to employers who fail to provide adequate safety gear to their employees or who violate other workplace safety regulations.

Understanding the Work Boot Safety Symbols and Ratings

You need to understand the work boot safety symbols and ratings once you wanna buy a pair for your loved feet.

Work boot safety symbols are used in USA and Canada to help workers identify potential hazards while on the job. These symbols typically feature icons such as a stop sign, an exclamation mark, or a lightning bolt. The symbols are combined with words that inform workers of the dangers related to that particular hazard.

Work boot safety ratings are also important tools used to ensure workers have adequate protection in hazardous industries. Ratings are based on testing conducted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

• ASTM ratings cover a range of features such as puncture resistance, electric shock resistance, water resistance, chemical resistance, and more depending on the intended use.
• CSA ratings focus on electrical hazard protection, along with some additional features like slip resistance. Both organizations provide ratings from “basic” to “highest” level of protection so that employers can make informed choices when selecting proper footwear for their employees.

Types of Safety Work Boots

There are various types of safety work boots, and each serves a different purpose. Some of the most common types of safety work boots include:

Steel Toe Boots

Steel safety toe boots have a steel cap over the toe box to protect the wearer from falling objects or crushing hazards. The main features are:

• Provides protection against impacts and compression
• Durable and long-lasting
• Heavyweight

Alloy Toe Boots

Alloy Toe boots are specifically designed for maximum protection and are often used in industrial settings. Alloy toes are made of aluminum or steel, and they provide superior protection against impacts and crushing. The main features:

• Offers superior impact resistance
• Extremely lightweight compared to other protective toe materials
• The lightweight construction of alloy toes makes them ideal for working in tight spaces where heavier materials may not be practical
• The alloy toe cap also provides additional comfort, as it is lighter weight than steel toes but still offers the same level of protection
• Highly durable, so they can withstand wear and tear over time without compromising safety
• Also a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping

Composite Toe Boots

Composite toe boots have a toe cap made of materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar that are lighter than steel but still offer similar protection. The main features are:

• Provides protection against impacts and compression
• Lightweight
• Non-metallic, making them suitable for workers who must pass through metal detectors

Soft Toe and Moc Toe Boots

There are other two types of safety toes – soft toe (basically no-protection toe) and moc toe (derived from mocassin style). The soft toe type is a lightweight option and is suitable for workers who need to wear their boots all day. It’s also more economical than steel-toe boots, as it doesn’t require the same reinforcement of materials needed in steel toes. O

n the other hand, moc toe boots are designed with extra room at the end of the shoe, much like a moccasin. This allows for some extra comfort and freedom of movement, but it also lacks the reinforcement that steel toes provide. Moc toe boots are great for those who need to move around a lot during their work day. However, they may not be the best option if you need heavy-duty protection from sharp objects

In addition to the above, there are some other special featured safety work boots:

Electrical Hazard Boots

These boots are designed to protect the wearer from electrical shocks and are often worn by electricians and other workers who work around live wires or electrical equipment. The main features are:

• Provides protection against electrical hazards
• Designed to reduce the risk of electric shock

Slip-resistant Boots

These boots have soles that are designed to provide traction and prevent slips and falls on wet or slippery surfaces.

Metatarsal boots

This type of safety boot is ideal for use in welding and metalworking. With its steel toe cap and midsole, it provides excellent protection against any type of falling objects, heavy impacts, or hazardous sparks from welding machines. The outsole is heat-resistant and oil-resistant to provide maximum grip when working on slippery surfaces.

• Provides protection for the metatarsal bones on the top of the foot
• Offers added protection against impacts and compression

Chemical-resistant Boots

These boots are made of materials that can resist chemical exposure and protect the wearer from harmful substances. The main features are:

• Designed to provide maximum comfort and protection in hazardous environments.
• With a breathable waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry, you can be sure you’ll stay comfortable all day long.

Waterproof boots

Waterproof boots are a necessity when walking in wet and damp conditions. They are designed to keep your feet dry and provide good traction on wet surfaces. Features:

• Provides protection against water and other liquids
• Keeps feet dry in wet working conditions

Insulated Boots

Insulated boots are designed to keep the wearer’s feet warm in cold environments. Features:

• Provides protection against cold temperatures
• Keeps feet warm in cold working conditions

Now, you may be wondering how to select the best-suited safety toe for the pair of work boots you are gonna buy... or you may even decide not to go for any safety toe. This decision depends completely on your job and workplace type and features. Here is an informative table describing the key feature differences among the safety toes of the work boots.. this will assist you in buying the most suitable pair:

Features	Steel Toe	Alloy Toe	Composite Toe	Soft Toe/ Plain Toe	Moc Toe
Material	Made of steel	Made of alloy metals such as titanium or aluminum	Made of non-metal materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, or plastic	Made of leather or other soft materials	Made of leather or other soft materials, with a decorative toe-stitch
Weight	Heavier than other types of safety toes	Lighter than steel toes, but heavier than composite toes	Lightest of all safety toes	Lightest of all work boot options	Lighter than steel toes, but heavier than composite toes
Durability	Highly durable and can withstand heavy impacts and compression	Highly durable, but can deform under extreme pressure	Durable and can withstand heavy impacts, but may crack or break over time	Less durable than safety toe options, but still suitable for some work environments	Less durable than safety toe options, but still suitable for some work environments
Conductivity	Highly conductive and can be dangerous in electrical hazards	Slightly conductive, but not as much as steel toes	Non-conductive and safe for electrical hazards	Non-conductive and safe for electrical hazards	Non-conductive and safe for electrical hazards
Cost	Usually the most affordable safety toe option	Moderately priced, but can be more expensive than steel toes	Most expensive safety toe option	Usually the most affordable work boot option	Usually slightly more expensive than soft toe options
Comfort	Can cause discomfort or fatigue with prolonged wear	Generally more comfortable than steel toes, but can still cause discomfort	Most comfortable safety toe option	Generally the most comfortable work boot option	Generally more comfortable than safety toe options, but may not provide as much protection
Type of protection	Impact, compression, and puncture hazards	Impact, compression, and puncture hazards	Impact, compression, and puncture hazards	General workplace hazards	General workplace hazards
Best suited for professions	Construction, manufacturing, heavy machinery operation	Aerospace, military, construction, heavy machinery operation	Electrical work, airport security, laboratory work	Warehousing, truck driving, light construction	Farming, landscaping, general outdoor work
Top brand suggestion	Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel Toe	Carhartt Men’s 11″ Wellington Waterproof Steel Toe	KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh Steel Toe Work Boot	Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ Rigmaster XT Steel Toe Waterproof	Wolverine Men’s W08288 Boot

Factors to Consider for Safety Work Boots at Workplace

When selecting safety work boots for your workplace, it is essential to consider various factors to ensure that the boots provide adequate protection. Here are some of the factors you should consider:

Factor/ Hazard	Recommended Standard to Follow
Electrical Hazard (Electro-Static Dissipation, Di-electric Insulation, etc.)	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of electrical hazards, you need to choose boots that provide adequate protection against electrical shock. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2413-18 EH standard.
Oil and Slip-Resistance	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of slipping or falling due to oily or wet surfaces, you should look for boots that are slip-resistant. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2913-19 standard for slip resistance.
Chemical Resistance	If you work with chemicals, you need to choose boots that are resistant to the specific chemicals you work with. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2413-18 standard for chemical resistance.
Impact Protection	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of heavy objects falling on your feet, you need to choose boots that provide adequate impact protection. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 standard.
Compression Protection	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of your feet getting crushed or compressed, you need to choose boots that provide adequate compression protection. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 standard.
Puncture Resistance	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of sharp objects puncturing the soles of your boots and injuring your feet, you need to choose boots that provide adequate puncture resistance. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2413-18 PR standard
Chainsaw Protection	If you work in an environment where you use a chainsaw, you need to choose boots that provide chainsaw protection. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F1818-18 standard for chainsaw protection.
Metatarsal Guard	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of heavy objects falling on the top of your foot, you need to choose boots that provide metatarsal protection. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F2413-18 MT75 standard.
Blood-borne Pathogen Protection	If you work in an environment where there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as medical facilities or emergency response teams, you need to choose boots that provide blood-borne pathogen protection. Look for boots that meet the ASTM F1671 standard for blood-borne pathogen resistance.

So folks, by knowing all the laws-regulations-standards…you may feel that now you are a I-know-all guy regarding safety work boots.. but that’s not all! You may have the best and perfectly suited work boot in your closet for your workplace, but you also need to ensure that this lovely pair should fit you well and they serve you for a considerably long time. Right..ehh?? That’s why you need to dig the following paras also….

Safety Work Boot Fit and Care

Safety work boots are designed to provide adequate protection to the feet, but their effectiveness in doing so is largely dependent on how well they fit and are maintained.

Don’t Forget to Ensure Proper Fit

Wearing ill-fitting work boots can cause discomfort, blisters, and other foot injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your safety boots fit correctly. Don’t only rely on the ad or online stores/platforms to check and find shoes, better check the fit physically. Here are some tips on how to get the right fit:

• Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest size.
• Choose a boot size that is slightly bigger than your regular shoe size to accommodate thick socks and foot swelling.
• When buying boots, make room for extra socks and/or arch supports. Put on your work-approved supports or socks to test out your new boots. If adding inserts affects your level of protection, check with the manufacturer.
• Lace-up boots should be completely laced up. When laced, boots should fit tightly around the heel and ankle.
• Walk around in the boots to ensure that they provide adequate support and are comfortable.

Always Ensure Proper Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of safety work boots not only prolong their lifespan but also ensure that they continue to provide adequate protection. Here are some tips on how to care for and maintain your work boots:

• Clean the boots regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, oil, and other substances that can compromise their performance.
• Replace worn-out laces to ensure that the boots remain properly secured.
• Apply a waterproofing agent to protect the boots from moisture and water damage.
• Inspect the boots regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks in soles, breaks in leather, or exposed toe caps, etc., and replace them as needed.
• Store the boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Keep the First-aid Kit up-to-date

No matter how well-protected your feet are, accidents can still happen. Therefore, it is essential to keep a first-aid kit handy in case of emergencies. Make sure that your first-aid kit is up-to-date and contains all the necessary supplies, such as bandages, gauze, and antiseptic.

Use Taller Protective Boots

In some industries, such as construction, there is a risk of objects falling from heights and injuring the feet. In such cases, it is essential to wear taller protective boots that provide coverage up to the ankle or even the shin. These boots can also provide additional support and protection to the lower leg.

How Job Design and Workplace Design Can Impact and Improve Feet Safety of Employees

Well guyz… we also should talk about the topic that’s close to my, uh, feet – job and workplace design for improving foot safety… coz feet are not just for walking, they are a valuable asset to be protected while at work. These points are mostly important for employers, and employees should also be aware of them. Key points are:

1. Make sure all employees wear appropriate work boots that meet safety standards, otherwise, they might as well be wearing flip-flops to a construction site.
2. Create designated walkways and pathways that are free from hazards like uneven surfaces, loose wires, and pesky co-workers who love to leave their tools lying around.
3. Install safety rails and barriers to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Trust us, falling on your butt might be funny on TV, but it’s no laughing matter in real life.
4. Provide ergonomic footrests or mats for employees who stand for long periods. After all, flat feet are not a good look, and neither are sore and aching feet.
5. Use bright, reflective materials for visibility, especially in low-light areas. We know you’re a ninja, but your boss would like to see you coming.
6. Encourage employees to take regular breaks to stretch and rest their feet. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be the hunchback of Notre Dame.
7. Ensure that employees are trained in proper lifting techniques to prevent strains and sprains. Nobody likes a groaning co-worker who can barely carry a coffee cup.
8. Make sure workstations are adjustable to accommodate different heights and body types. Remember, one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to feet.
9. Provide employees with safety glasses, hard hats, and other protective gear, in addition to safety boots. After all, a healthy foot is just as important as a healthy head and eyes.
10. Conduct regular safety audits and reviews to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your feet.

Well..What About The Compensation If Your Feet Are Hurt At the Workplace?

When it comes to staying safe on the job, wearing protective gear is a must, but let’s be real – it’s not always the most comfortable thing to do. However, there’s now a new incentive to motivate workers to properly don their gear. Some workplaces are offering compensations, like gift cards or extra breaks, to employees who consistently wear their protective equipment. This not only ensures everyone’s safety but also adds a little fun competition to the workplace. Who knew avoiding hazards could be rewarding and entertaining at the same time? So, next time you’re feeling lazy about putting on your gear, just remember – that extra break could be all yours!

On the other hand, in most countries, there are rules and regulations in place that require employers to provide compensation for workplace injuries. If an employee’s feet are hurt while on the job, the first step is to seek medical attention. After receiving medical treatment, the employee should notify their employer of the injury and file a workers’ compensation claim. This claim should include a description of the injury, the date and time of the incident, and any medical bills or expenses related to the injury.

In many cases, the employer will have insurance coverage to provide compensation for workplace injuries, including those related to feet. However, it is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding workers’ compensation can vary by state or country, so it is important to consult with a legal professional or your company’s HR department for specific guidance.

So...do you wanna know what'll happen if a 4.5-ton forklift truck runs over a composite toe?!! Enjoy the video below...

Courtesy: Contender Composite Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Well Here It Is Folks

No job site is immune to the possibility of a worker suffering a debilitating injury. But when the right pair of work boots are worn, injuries are less likely, less serious, and less costly to both the worker and the employer.

To ensure that your work boots provide the necessary level of protection, it’s important to choose boots that meet the appropriate safety standards for your particular job or work environment. By understanding the various safety standards and regulations for work boots, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right pair of boots for your needs.

Remember to check for the appropriate safety symbols and standards when shopping for work boots, and don’t hesitate to consult with a safety expert if you have any questions or concerns.