If you are at risk for foot injury at your workplace, you should wear the appropriate protective footwear.
The OSH Answers section on Foot Comfort and Safety at Work has more information on foot care and selection of protective footwear.
Footwear must be chosen based on the hazards that are present. Assess the workplace and work activities for:
Also, evaluate the following risks:
The following symbols, or markings, will help you determine which footwear is appropriate for the job.
Selection of Safety Footwear Marking Criteria Intended Application Green triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toecap. For heavy industrial work environments, especially that of construction where sharp objects (such as nails) are present. Yellow triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toecap. For light industrial work environments requiring puncture protection as well as toe protection. Blue rectangle indicates a Grade 1 protective toecap with no puncture-resistant sole. For industrial work environments not requiring puncture protection. Grey rectangle indicates a Grade 2 protective toecap with no puncture-resistant sole. For industrial and non-industrial work environments not requiring puncture protection. White rectangle with orange Greek letter omega indicates electric-shock protective footwear.For industrial work environments where accidental contact with live electoral conductors can occur. Warning: Electrical shock resistance deteriorates with wear and in a wet environment.
Yellow rectangle with black SD letters indicates static-dissipative footwear. For industrial work environments where a static discharge can create a hazard for workers or equipment. Warning: This footwear should not be used where contact with live electrical conductors can occur. Yellow rectangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toecap. (super-static dissipative footwear) For industrial work environments where a static discharge can create a hazard for workers or equipment. Warning: This footwear should not be used where contact with live electrical conductors can occur. Red rectangle with white C letter indicates electrically conductive footwear. For industrial work environments where low-power electrical changes can create a hazard for workers or equipment. Warning: This footwear should not be used where contact with live electrical conductors can occur. Dark grey rectangle with M letter indicates metatarsal protection. Note: Toe protection is required for all metatarsal protective footwear. For industrial work environments where heavy objects can hurt the metatarsal region of the foot. White label with green fir tree symbol footwear provides protection when using chainsaws. For forestry workers and others who work with or around hand-held chainsaws and other cutting tools.NOTE: Footwear will also be marked to indicate the level of slip resistance. These markings may be on the packaging, the footwear, or on a product sheet.
Note: Certain CSA Group standards are available for online viewing. To access these, you must first create an account with “CSA Communities”.
Go to: https://community.csagroup.org/login.jspa?referer=%252Findex.jspa
Once you are logged in, click on the text below the “OHS Standards / View Access” graphic.
Click on the jurisdiction of your choice to see the CSA Standards as referenced in that legislation.
Standards may also be purchased from CSA Group: https://store.csagroup.org/
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