OSHA Safety Footwear Requirements: What Louisiana Workers Need to Know

In Louisiana, safety footwear isn’t just a smart idea — in most industrial, construction, and oilfield environments, it’s legally required. OSHA’s footwear standard (29 CFR 1910.136) mandates that employers ensure workers use protective footwear when there is a danger of foot injury from falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, or electrical hazards. Here’s what that means for workers and employers across Acadiana.

The Core Standard: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136

OSHA’s general industry standard states: “Each affected employee shall use protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, and where employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.”

Protective footwear must meet the requirements of ASTM F-2412 (test methods) and ASTM F-2413 (performance requirements) — the standards that govern all Red Wing safety footwear.

ASTM F2413: What the Ratings Mean

When you see ratings stamped inside a Red Wing safety boot, here’s what they mean:

• I/75 C/75: Impact resistance of 75 ft-lbs and compression resistance of 2,500 lbs — the standard safety toe rating
• EH: Electrical Hazard — provides secondary protection against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions
• PR: Puncture Resistant — protects against nail penetration through the outsole
• MT/75: Metatarsal Guard — protects the top of the foot, required in some heavy industrial environments
• SD: Static Dissipative — reduces the buildup of static electricity, required in electronics manufacturing and some refinery environments

Industry-Specific Requirements in Louisiana

Oil & Gas (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 + API RP 74): Most oilfield and refinery environments require steel or composite toe boots with EH rating and puncture-resistant soles. Many operators also require chemical-resistant outsoles for hydrocarbon exposure.

Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.96): Construction workers must wear safety-toe footwear. Many general contractors also require puncture-resistant midsoles due to nail hazards on job sites.

Maritime / Offshore (OSHA 29 CFR 1915, 1917, 1918): Maritime safety footwear must include safety toe protection and slip-resistant outsoles. Offshore platforms may require additional EH protection.

General Industry / Manufacturing (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136): Employers must conduct a hazard assessment and document the required PPE, including footwear. Static dissipative (SD) boots are often required in electronics and refinery environments.

Employer Obligations

Under OSHA, employers are responsible for conducting a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) hazard assessment, documenting the required footwear for each job classification, ensuring employees have access to compliant footwear, and in many cases — providing or reimbursing the cost.

Our Red Wing For Business program is specifically designed to help Louisiana employers meet these obligations. We set up corporate accounts, issue employee vouchers, track compliance, and ensure every worker gets properly fitted to an OSHA and ASTM-compliant boot for their specific role.