What are Safety shoes

Sturdy, reinforced safety shoes can protect your feet from on-the-job injuries. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers in certain occupations wear safety shoes.

Features

Safety shoes feature a composite or steel toe and a slip-resistant sole. They may also have a metal or composite metatarsal guard that protects the toes and the bone behind the toes.

Identification

The label on safety shoes indicates whether the pair of shoes meets OSHA standards. The label will also show the shoes' certifications, including protection from electrical hazards, puncture and conductivity.

Benefits

Safety shoes protect workers from falling objects, chemical spills, wet or slippery flooring, sharp objects and other hazards. They are available for men and women.

Uses

Workers in the manufacturing and construction industries routinely wear safety shoes. Other workers who wear safety shoes include chemical laboratory employees and firefighters.

Significance

OSHA classes safety shoes as personal protective equipment (PPE), along with items such as gloves, goggles and earplugs. The agency sets PPE requirements for construction, general industry and firefighting.