What are the Safety Shoes Standards?

Last Updated on October 16, 2024

In the early 20th century, workers in factories did not have any safety parameters in place. They were unaware of the dangers beneath their feet, and injuries were a usual occurrence. Fast-forward to today, in the 21st century, and the scene is vastly different. Safety standards developed over the years ensure worker’s safety and have become a cornerstone of every industry.

The safety regulations such as IS 15289, ANSI Z41, and ASTM F2413 have made workplace safety a fundamental requirement over the years. But how did these safety standards develop, and what do they mean?

Organisations Engaged in Establishing Safety Standards

Safety products gained significant importance in the 1970s due to the establishment of organisations setting rigorous safety standards. Institutions like OSHA, BIS, ASTM, and ANSI played key roles in creating and enforcing these standards across industries, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.

1) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Establishment: 1970

Key Contributions: 

• OSHA established regulations for safe working environments.
• Guidelines include equipment standards and exposure limits for hazardous substances.
• Workplace safety training is also mandated by OSHA.
  

2) ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

Establishment: 1918

Key Contributions: 

• ANSI played a pivotal role in developing safety footwear standards.
• ANSI Z41 was a landmark standard for safety footwear. It ensured protection against workplace hazards and met specific criteria for durability and comfort.

3) ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

Establishment: 1898

Key Contributions:

• ASTM established standardised testing and material specifications.
• ASTM F2413 is a set of comprehensive safety footwear standards.

4) BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)

Establishment: 1987

Key Contributions:

• India’s national standards body for standardisation, marking, and quality certification.
• IS 15298 aligns with international standards (EN ISO 20345).
• Ensures Indian safety footwear meets impact resistance, compression, and hazard protection requirements.

5) ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Establishment: 1947

Key Contributions:

• ISO creates global standards for safety footwear.
• Ensures high quality worldwide
• Harmonises national rules for easier global compliance and consistent worker safety. Did you know?The first safety shoes with steel toe caps were developed during World War II to reduce industrial accidents and improve worker safety.
  

Key Safety Shoe Standards

ASTM F2413, ANSI Z41, and IS 15298 are key standards for safety footwear globally and in India. They concern footwear’s ability to protect wearers from impacts, electrical shocks, and punctures. These standards are updated to keep up with new technology and keep workers safe.

1) ASTM F2413

• It prescribes requirements for protective toe caps, electrical hazard protection as well as puncture resistance.
• It ensures that safety footwear provides enough protection against work-related accidents.
• It is regularly updated to face new challenges or incorporate new knowledge about materials and technologies.

2) ANSI Z41

• It was the first all-inclusive safety footwear standard to be released.
• Most modern safety carrier guides are built upon its base.
• It first introduced requirements for protection from impacts and compressions, influences such guides as ASTM F2413.

3) IS 15298

• It was issued by BIS for work with safety footwear in India.
• It concerns impact resistance, compression resistance as well as protection against electrical shocks and punctures.
• This standard also addresses the needs of the Indian shoe and leather industry through coordination with global standards, ensuring that Indian workers are adequately protected and inappropriately targeted.
  

Understanding Safety Ratings

Safety footwear often comes with specific safety ratings, indicating the level and type of protection they offer. Refer to the table below to understand various types of safety footwear ratings:

Nomenclature for Safety Footwear Ratings

Top Regulatory-Compliant Safety Shoe Brands

Here are some of the top brands that manufacture safety shoes that comply with all regulatory standards. These brands are known for their quality, durability, protection and comfort, ensuring workers’ safety across various industries.

• Fulcrum: Designed to international standards, these Fulcrum safety shoes feature an anti-fatigue insole and offer style, comfort, and optimal protection.
• Bata: Known for durable and comfortable safety footwear across various industries. Bata provides a wide range of safety footwear that works across various industries.
• Skechers: Offers a range of stylish safety shoes with advanced safety features like impact resistance and enhanced traction.
• Liberty: Produces safe and highly robust material safety footwear that can be used in harsh industries. 
• Karam: The range of safety shoes from Karam provides high protection and extra comfort to the wearers. 
• Allen Cooper: Offers a wide selection of safety shoes with innovative designs and superior protection.
  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, standards like ASTM F2413, ANSI Z41, and IS 15298 have transformed safety footwear into a crucial shield against workplace hazards. They reflect ongoing efforts by organisations such as OSHA, ANSI, ASTM, BIS, and ISO to ensure global compliance and enhance worker safety. As technology and industries advance, these standards will continue to evolve, emphasising innovation and the collective goal of creating safer workplaces worldwide.

At Industrybuying, we prioritise worker safety and its impact on well-being. Our commitment ensures all our products strictly adhere to established safety standards. Embracing these norms, we move towards a safer future, knowing each step in improving workplace safety contributes to a brighter tomorrow for all.