Safety footwear standards like EN ISO 20345 serve a critical role in workplace safety by establishing consistent performance requirements for protective footwear. These standards ensure workers receive adequate foot protection tailored to specific occupational hazards while providing manufacturers with clear guidelines for production. The standards cover various protective features including impact resistance, slip resistance, and protection against electrical, chemical, and thermal hazards. By implementing these standards, organizations can significantly reduce foot-related injuries while maintaining worker comfort and productivity.
Key Points Explained:
-
Standardization of Protection Levels
- EN ISO 20345 defines minimum safety requirements that all certified footwear must meet, creating a baseline level of protection across industries
- Key requirements include:
- 200 joule toe cap impact resistance (equivalent to a 20kg object dropped from 1m height)
- Compression resistance of 15kN
- Puncture-resistant midsoles
- This standardization allows purchasers to compare products objectively and select appropriate footwear for specific workplace hazards
-
Hazard-Specific Protection Categories
- The standard includes supplementary markings that indicate protection against specific risks:
- A: Anti-static properties (electrical hazard protection)
- E: Energy absorption in heel area
- P: Penetration resistance (sharp objects)
- WRU: Water-resistant upper material
- FO: Fuel/oil-resistant outsoles
- These classifications help safety managers select footwear tailored to their unique work environments, whether in construction, manufacturing, or chemical handling
- The standard includes supplementary markings that indicate protection against specific risks:
-
Enhanced Slip Resistance
- EN ISO 20345 requires rigorous slip testing on both smooth and greasy surfaces
- This significantly reduces slip-and-fall accidents, which account for a substantial portion of workplace injuries
- The standard evaluates footwear performance across different floor conditions and contaminants
-
Comfort and Ergonomics
- While primarily focused on safety, the standard also addresses comfort factors:
- Breathability requirements
- Ankle support specifications
- Insole abrasion resistance
- Comfortable safety footwear improves worker compliance and reduces fatigue-related accidents
- While primarily focused on safety, the standard also addresses comfort factors:
-
Legal and Liability Protection
- Compliance with EN ISO 20345 helps organizations meet occupational health and safety regulations
- Using certified footwear demonstrates due diligence in protecting workers
- Proper documentation of PPE standards compliance can reduce liability in case of workplace incidents
-
Manufacturing Quality Control
- The standard provides manufacturers with:
- Clear testing protocols
- Material specifications
- Production quality benchmarks
- This ensures consistent quality across different brands and production batches
- The standard provides manufacturers with:
-
2022 Standard Updates
- The latest revision introduced several improvements:
- Enhanced testing methods for sole durability
- Updated requirements for electrical hazard protection
- More stringent water resistance criteria
- These updates reflect evolving workplace hazards and material technologies
- The latest revision introduced several improvements:
By implementing EN ISO 20345 compliant footwear, organizations create safer work environments while optimizing their PPE investments. The standard's comprehensive approach addresses both immediate physical hazards and long-term wearer comfort, making it an essential tool for occupational safety programs.
Summary Table:
| Key Aspect | EN ISO 20345 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | 200 joule toe cap (20kg object from 1m height) |
| Compression Resistance | 15kN compression resistance |
| Slip Resistance | Rigorous testing on smooth/greasy surfaces |
| Hazard-Specific Protection | Markings for anti-static (A), penetration (P), fuel/oil resistance (FO), and more |
| Comfort & Ergonomics | Breathability, ankle support, and insole abrasion resistance requirements |
| 2022 Updates | Enhanced sole durability tests, updated electrical hazard protection, stricter water criteria |
Upgrade your workplace safety with EN ISO 20345-compliant footwear from 3515, a leading large-scale manufacturer trusted by distributors, brand owners, and bulk buyers worldwide. Our extensive production capabilities cover all types of safety shoes and boots, engineered to meet the latest standards while prioritizing wearer comfort and durability.
By choosing 3515, you benefit from:
- Comprehensive hazard protection (impact, compression, slips, electrical risks, and more)
- Updated 2022 standard compliance with enhanced durability and safety features
- Ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue and improve all-day wearability
- Bulk order expertise with consistent quality across large production runs
Contact our safety footwear specialists today to discuss your organization's PPE needs and receive customized recommendations from our full product range.
