Hey everyone, Christian here, Head of Operations at Michaels Workwear.
I’m reaching out because something pretty significant has happened recently that affects almost everyone who steps onto a construction site, a warehouse floor, or a manufacturing plant. If you’re responsible for buying safety gear, or if you’re the one lacing up your boots every morning, you need to know that the goalposts for safety footwear have officially moved.
The new PPE footwear standard, EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024, has fully come into force.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Christian, it’s just a bunch of letters and numbers, does it really matter?" The short answer is yes. It matters a lot. These aren't just "suggestions" from a committee; these are the new benchmarks that define what makes a boot "safe" in the eyes of the law and health and safety auditors.
At Michaels Workwear, we’ve been in this game for 35 years. We’ve seen standards come and go, and we’ve helped thousands of businesses navigate the transition from "old school" gear to modern, compliant kits. Our goal today isn't to scare you into a panic buy, but to make sure you don't get caught out when a site manager or an auditor asks for your compliance certificates.
Why the Change? And Why Now?
The previous standard was dated 2011. Think about how much the world has changed since then. Material science has moved on, workplace hazards have evolved, and frankly, the old tests were getting a bit long in the tooth.
The 2022 update (further refined with the A1:2024 amendment) is designed to be more rigorous and accurate to the real-world conditions you face on the job. It’s about making sure that when a boot says it’s "slip-resistant" or "puncture-proof," it actually does what it says on the tin under modern testing conditions. For example, the way we test slip resistance today is much more representative of a person actually walking on a slick floor compared to the old mechanical "pull" tests.
The Breakdown: What’s Actually Different?
The new standard introduces some big shifts. It can look like alphabet soup at first, so let’s break it down into the bits that actually affect your daily work.
1. The New S-Classifications (S1 to S7)
While SB, S1, S2, and S3 haven't disappeared, they’ve been tightened up, and we’ve seen the birth of S6 and S7. This is one of the most common questions we get at the trade counter.
- S1, S2, S3: These are still your staples, covering anti-static properties, energy absorption, and water penetration.
- S6: Think of this as an S2 boot but with a much higher level of water resistance. It’s fully waterproof.
- S7: This is the top tier. It’s an S3 boot (which includes puncture resistance) that is also fully waterproof.
If you are working in groundworks or outdoor utilities, you’re likely going to be looking for S7 moving forward to ensure your team stays dry and compliant. You might want to check out something like the AS803 Waterproof Wide Fit Safety Boot to see how modern engineering meets these new specs.
2. Slip Resistance: No More "SRC"
In the old days, you’d look for SRA, SRB, or the gold standard, SRC. That’s gone.
Under the new rules, basic slip resistance is a mandatory requirement for all safety footwear, it’s no longer an "extra." However, if a boot goes above and beyond, it gets the new "SR" marking. This indicates the boot has passed a much tougher test on a ceramic tile floor lubricated with glycerine.
If your environment is particularly greasy or wet, "SR" is the marking you need to hunt for.
3. Puncture Protection: The Nail Test (P, PL, PS)
This is where it gets technical. Previously, "P" just meant the boot had a puncture-resistant midsole. Now, we differentiate between metal and non-metal (textile) inserts because they perform differently.
- P: This is for a metallic (steel) insert.
- PL (Large nail): A non-metallic insert tested with a 4.5mm nail.
- PS (Small nail): A non-metallic insert tested with a 3mm nail.
The "PS" test is much tougher because a smaller nail exerts more pressure. If your crew is working around thinner sharp objects, like drywall screws or thin wire, the PS rating is your best friend.
Don't Get Caught Out – The Procurement Gap
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to site managers lately, and here’s the reality: many large-scale contracts and Tier 1 contractors are already updating their Health & Safety policies to match the 2022/2024 standard.
If you show up to a high-spec site with "old" S3 boots manufactured under the 2011 standard, and the manager’s clipboard demands the 2022 spec, you might be stuck at the gate. It’s a massive headache for logistics and a waste of man-hours.
When you’re buying new kit now, don't just look for the cheapest pair of boots. Look for the 2022/2024 markings. It future-proofs your investment and keeps your team on the right side of the safety fence. For a reliable "daily driver" that meets these evolving needs, the Workforce Boot is a great place to start your search.
Why Michaels Workwear is Your Best Partner
At Michaels, we don't just shift boxes of boots. We provide solutions. We know that a warehouse picker has very different needs than a steelworker or a commercial landscaper.
Because we’ve been local to Swindon and serving the wider UK for three and a half decades, we understand the local site requirements. We help you find the right tool for the job based on your specific risk assessments. Whether it's high-spec specialized gear like the B1233A i-Meta S3L or something more lightweight like the Airtwist Low S3 Safety Trainer, we’ve got you covered.
Time for an Audit: A Quick Checklist
Don’t wait for a safety inspector to point out your gear is out of date. Take ten minutes this week to do a quick audit of your team's footwear. Here is what I recommend:
- Check the Tongue: Pull back the tongue of the boot and look for the label. Does it say EN ISO 20345:2011 or does it say 2022/2024? If it's 2011, it's not "illegal," but it is nearing the end of its recognized life cycle.
- Identify the Risk: Has your working environment changed? If you're doing more outdoor work in standing water, it might be time to move from a standard S3 to a fully waterproof S7.
- Check the Soles: Look for those new markings like "SR" (Slip Resistant) or "FO" (Fuel Oil Resistance). Note that FO is now optional, so if your team works in a garage or near fuel, you must specifically check for it.
- Review Site Requirements: Have your major clients updated their PPE rules? If you’re a subcontractor, this is the most important step to prevent being turned away from a job.
Keeping It Simple
I know this is a lot to digest. The world of Health & Safety legislation can feel like a maze, but you don't have to walk it alone. We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, approachable experts. We’d much rather you call us with a "silly question" now than have you buy the wrong gear and run into trouble later.
If you have questions about the new safety standards or need a full footwear audit for your team, please reach out. We can talk you through the differences between a "PL" and "PS" rating over a coffee (or a phone call).
Get in touch with Tracey Williams, our Sales Manager, at sales@michaelsworkwear.co.uk or call 01793 611737.
We’ve been helping businesses stay compliant and comfortable for 35 years, and we're here to make sure you stay on your feet: safely.
Stay safe out there,
Christian O'Connor
Head of Operations, Michaels Workwear