Employee wellbeing isn’t just about comfort – it’s about protection, confidence, and performance. The right safety footwear plays a vital role in preventing fatigue, slips, and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
That’s why the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard – the latest update in safety footwear testing – is such an important step forward. These changes reflect how people really work, helping employers make better choices for workforce comfort and safety.
What’s Changed – and Why It Matters for Wellbeing
Improved Slip Resistance Testing
Slips and trips remain one of the most common causes of workplace injury. Under the new EN ISO 20345:2022 update, slip resistance is now mandatory for all certified safety footwear – and the testing is more realistic than ever, assessing grip on ceramic tile surfaces using glycerine to mimic everyday conditions.
Benefit: Reduced risk of accidents and improved confidence for staff working on smooth or wet floors.
Water Resistance You Can Rely On
The previous WRU label (water-resistant uppers) has been replaced with WPA, which tests both water penetration and absorption.
Benefit: Drier, more comfortable feet throughout the day – especially for outdoor teams working in changing conditions.
Targeted Protection with New Puncture Resistance Ratings
Updated test symbols now distinguish between steel and composite inserts — including options designed for finer risks like needles or wire fragments.
Benefit: Tailored protection for specific job roles, helping employees feel safer and supported in their environment.
Comfort That Drives Confidence
Small details make a big difference to wellbeing.
Our updated footwear range includes:
• Energy-absorbing soles to reduce strain on joints
• Anti-static and metal-free options for lighter wear
• Women’s fit safety footwear designed around female ergonomics
• Cold- and heat-insulated boots to maintain all-day comfort in extreme conditions
When employees feel supported from the ground up, it boosts focus, morale, and overall wellbeing.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
Greenham’s NEBOSH-qualified experts are here to help you select the right safety footwear for every task and environment. From compliance checks to wellbeing-driven product trials, we’ll help ensure your team is protected, comfortable, and confident at work. Using state-of-the-art scanners as part of our Foot Stop Service, we can help can identify if extra foot support is required to help keep injuries at bay. If feet are incorrectly supported, or slide backwards and forwards in shoes, they can soon become incorrectly loaded, which leads to strain. Use our footwear scanning service to measure arch types and pressure points, which will allow you to select the corrective insole that’s right for you. That way, workers stay healthy and motivated, less days are lost due to musculoskeletal mishaps.
