Safety Shoes: Safety Classes for the Agricultural Sector

In the agricultural sector, choosing the right safety shoes is essential to ensure maximum protection and safety in the workplace. Work shoes are classified into different safety categories, each designed to meet specific professional needs, perfectly adapting to the various risks present in agriculture.

Safety Classes of Safety Shoes

Each agricultural sector presents different challenges and hazards, which is why safety shoes are divided into various safety classes, each designed for a specific type of task:

• SB: Ideal for environments with lower exposure to high physical risks, such as greenhouses and laboratories, where foot protection from slips and minor impacts is necessary.
• S1: The perfect solution for farmers, warehouse workers, and machinery operators who work in environments with moderate risks, such as impacts and crushes.
• S1P: The most common safety shoes in Italy, particularly suitable for mechanics and agricultural workers due to their ability to combine comfort and protection against punctures.
• S2: Recommended for those working in agricultural food service and in environments with high humidity levels, ensuring protection from water.
• S3: Offer a high degree of protection from weather conditions, ideal for those working outdoors in adverse environmental conditions.

Additional Features for Agricultural Safety Shoes

In addition to safety classes, safety shoes can be equipped with additional features that provide further levels of protection, particularly useful in complex and high-risk agricultural contexts:

• A: Protection against the buildup of electrostatic charges.
• C: Insulation from electrical discharges, crucial in agricultural environments with electrical risks.
• E: Energy-absorbing sole in the heel area to enhance comfort during long working hours.
• M: Metatarsal protection, essential in environments where heavy object drops are frequent.
• P: Puncture-resistant sole, ideal for protecting feet in environments with sharp or cutting materials.
• CI: Cold insulation, perfect for those working in refrigerated environments or outdoors during winter.
• WR: Fully waterproof shoes, essential for those working in wet environments or under rain.
• SRC: Maximum slip resistance, combining slip-resistant properties on ceramics, detergents, steel, and glycerin, particularly useful in agricultural sectors with slippery surfaces.

CE Regulations for the Agricultural Sector

All safety shoes for the agricultural sector must be certified in accordance with European regulations to ensure compliance with the legal safety requirements. The main regulations include:

• EN ISO 20344: Defines the testing methods and general requirements for verifying the protection of safety footwear.
• EN ISO 20345: Requires that the toe cap of the shoes withstand a weight drop of 20 kg from a height of 1 meter (equivalent to 200 Joules), ensuring protection from impacts and compressions.
• EN ISO 20347: Concerns work footwear without toe caps, commonly used in environments with lower exposure to serious risks.

Toe Cap in Safety Shoes

The toe cap is one of the key components in safety shoes for the agricultural sector, as it provides essential protection against impacts and crushes. The materials used for the toe cap can vary, with different options to meet comfort and safety needs:

• Steel: A traditional material, extremely robust and heavy, mainly used in agricultural environments with high crush risks.
• Aluminum: Lighter than steel, still offers excellent protection and is appreciated for comfort and thermal insulation.
• Composite Materials: Provide equally effective protection but with reduced weight, making them ideal for those seeking lightweight and comfortable footwear without compromising safety.

In the agricultural sector, choosing the right safety shoes can make the difference between working safely and risking serious injuries. It is essential to consider the safety class, additional features, and regulations to ensure that the shoes fully meet the demands of your work environment.