Employer's Duties Under The Health & Safety At Work Etc. Act
The Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, passed in 1974 and 1999 respectively, state that the onus is on the employer to provide a safe working environment through proper risk assessment and directly removing or reducing any risks that are found. In the event that any risk cannot be removed, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1999) states that if a risk is found that cannot be controlled or removed then protective gear must be provided.
This means that in any situation where an employer has identified a risk or potential risk to an employee’s feet, they must provide appropriate protective footwear. This includes things like slip-resistant soles for roofing contractors, steel toe boots for mechanics, puncture-resistant soles for carpenters, and so on. For more information on the various safety features that can be afforded by protective footwear, check out the LOWA Guide To Safety Boot Ratings, Codes & Standards.
If an employer provides safety footwear, they should ensure that it is well-fitted and comfortable as ill-fitting footwear can cause just as many problems as a lack of safety equipment over a prolonged period of time. Even if the employee chooses or provides their own footwear, it is essential to make sure that they are comfortable and properly fitted. For more information on how to ensure the best possible fit, check out our detailed boot fitting guide.
Choosing The Right LOWA Safety Boots
LOWA boots are famous worldwide for their build quality, comfort, and performance and LOWA Safety Boots are no exception. With a focus on providing all of the best parts of LOWA boots regarding support, material quality, and design combined with the protection afforded by the various safety measures, the LOWA Safety & Work Boots S3 range is the perfect choice for any demanding workplace. The vast majority of boots in the LOWA S3 range also come equipped with a GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Footwear lining, which provides the boots with unrivalled water and weather-resistance while still maximising breathability.
One of the most important things to look for when choosing the right LOWA safety boots is whether or not they properly meet En ISO safety standards. Every boot in the LOWA S3 adheres to these standards, so you can be sure that each and everyone includes:
- - 200-joule toecap protection
- - Closed seat region (fully enclosed heel)
- - Antistatic properties
- - Shock absorbing seat region
- - Water-penetration and water-absorption resistance
- - Sole penetration resistance
- - Cleated outsoles
While these are the standard features, each boot may offer additional protections on top of those mentioned above. These additional protections can include fuel/oil resistant outsoles, conductive electrical resistance, insulation to protect against temperatures as cold as -20°C and as hot as 300°C, cut resistant uppers, and much more.
