What type of foot protection must be used?

OSHA’s standard on foot protection outlines the criteria for protective footwear at 1910.136(b), which says that protective footwear must comply with any of the following consensus standards:

• ASTM F–2412–2005, “Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection,” and ASTM F–2413–2005, “Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear,” which are incorporated by reference in 1910.6;
• ANSI Z41–1999, “American National Standard for Personal Protection—Protective Footwear,” which is incorporated by reference in 1910.6; or
• ANSI Z41–1991, “American National Standard for Personal Protection—Protective Footwear,” which is incorporated by reference in 1910.6.

NOTE: ANSI Z41 has been discontinued. Shoe manufacturers now must meet the requirements of the ASTM standards. The most recent editions of ASTM F-2412 and F-2413 were issued in 2011. Protective footwear that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as protective footwear that is constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be compliant with the OSHA standard; however, the type and amount of protection is not always the same. Different footwear protects in different ways. Employers should consult the product’s labeling or consult the manufacturer to make sure the footwear will protect the user from the hazards they face. Safety shoes are marked inside the shoe (with a stamp or label) to show they meet the ASTM (or discontinued ANSI standard) requirements.