Appropriate footwear is an essential part of work for many businesses in the UK. In sectors such as construction and manufacturing, you have to provide high-quality safety boots in order to adhere to a host of complex legal requirements. Failing to understand and meet these obligations can expose you to significant risks, from fines to legal action.
The legal framework in the UK
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPER) is a key piece of legislation covering workplace safety. A significant update in 2022 extended the scope of the rules so that they applied to non-traditional employees, such as those on zero-hours contracts or only working casual shifts. This means you must now ensure that all workers, regardless of their employment status, are provided with correct and sufficient protective equipment.
Safety boots specifically are regulated under the EN ISO 20345 technical standards. These were also updated in 2022 to provide clearer definitions for slip resistance, moving from the old SRA/SRB/SRC ratings to a more specific set of test conditions, and puncture protection, which now uses PL and PS markings to differentiate between non-metallic and metallic inserts.
While the UK continues to allow the use of footwear certified under the previous standards, safety boot manufacturers are releasing boots that meet the refreshed criteria.
The role of risk assessments
To understand what personal protective equipment (PPE) you need to supply, the first thing you need to do is conduct a risk assessment. This enables you to identify potential hazards like falling objects, punctures from sharp materials, or slips on wet surfaces.
The findings will inform the technical requirements for the safety footwear you supply. For example, a job site with heavy machinery might need boots with a reinforced toe cap to protect against crushing injuries.
You’ll also want to consider whether additional protection, like metatarsal guards or ankle support, is needed based on the risk identified.
Certification, enforcement and compliance
For your business to be compliant, the safety boots must have the UKCA marking (or the CE mark, where it is still valid). This marking confirms that the footwear has undergone the necessary conformity assessments and meets the required safety standards.
This year, safety boots sold via TikTok were recalled by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The OPSS stated that although the footwear was advertised as “anti-smash” and “anti-puncture”, it had not undergone any conformity assessment and was not UKCA or CE marked. Reputable suppliers will always provide you with the necessary documentation, helping you ensure compliance.
Maintaining compliance
Regular inspection of all boots is essential to ensure you stay in line with the regulations. Worn soles or broken toe caps can make a certified boot ineffective, so you must have a system for conducting regular checks and providing replacements.
It’s also essential to train employees on the correct use and storage of their boots. Keep records of these sessions and also of inspections in case your commitment to workplace safety is ever called into question.
How Do Safety Boots Help Businesses Stay Compliant with UK Regulations?