Safety Footwear Guide

How to Select, Fit and Maintain Safety Footwear

Protecting your feet in the workplace is essential to prevent injuries from falling objects, sharp materials, slips, trips, and hazardous substances. When hazards cannot be fully eliminated, selecting and using the correct safety footwear is vital for compliance and worker safety.

Getting Started Safely

Identify hazards in your work area that could affect your feet (falling objects, sharp materials, wet or slippery surfaces, chemical exposure.
Apply higher-level controls first (elimination, substitution, engineering controls) before relying solely on PPE.
Confirm whether safety footwear is required, and ensure selection is based on the specific hazard.
Inspect footwear before use for damage, worn soles, cracks in toe caps, or compromised materials.

Tip: Safety footwear is a critical last line of defence minimise hazards first where possible.

Choosing the Right Safety Footwear

Hazard / Task	Recommended Footwear Type
Falling or rolling objects	Steel toe-cap or composite toe-cap boots/shoes (200 J impact)
Penetration from sharp objects	Footwear with a penetration-resistant sole plate
Slippery surfaces	Slip-resistant outsole rated for your work environment
Wet conditions	Water-resistant upper (WRU) footwear
Cold or heat exposure	Insulated soles or upper material suitable for temperature extremes
Chemical exposure	Chemical-resistant boots or coverings

Select footwear that matches both the hazard and the level of protection required.

Understanding Standards & Compliance

Safety footwear used at work must comply with relevant Australian and International Standards, including:

ISO 20345:2011- Safety footwear specification
AS/NZS 2210.3:2019 -Occupational protective footwear

Look for the class and markings (e.g., SB, S1, S2, S3) on the footwear and packaging. Employers should implement a formal footwear safety program where PPE is required.

How to Fit and Wear Safety Footwear

Ensure correct sizing; footwear should fit snugly but not restrict circulation.
Use appropriate socks and consider orthotic inserts if required.
Lace boots securely and evenly to provide ankle support and reduce slip hazards.
Check for any discomfort or pressure points that could affect safety.

Care, Maintenance & Replacement

Inspect boots/shoes before each use for cracked soles, worn tread, broken eyelets, or damaged toe caps.
Clean footwear regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain grip and material integrity.
Store footwear in a clean, dry, ventilated area, away from chemicals, heat, or sunlight.
Replace footwear if soles are worn, toe caps are damaged, or the protection features are compromised.

Training & Awareness

All workers using safety footwear should be trained in:

Identifying when specific footwear is required
Correct fit, lacing, and comfort adjustments
Inspecting, cleaning, and storing footwear
Recognizing signs of wear or failure
Understanding the limitations of the footwear in hazard control

Quick Daily Check

Hazards assessed and other controls in place
Correct safety footwear selected for identified hazards
Footwear is inspected and is in good condition
Laces and fit are secure and comfortable
Slip resistance and protective features intact

Protecting your feet is non-negotiable. Correct selection, fit, use, and maintenance of safety footwear ensures you are safe, compliant, and able to perform your work effectively.