WORKWEAR
The different footwear safety ratings explained
EN ISO 20345:2022 is the European standard for safety footwear, defining minimum and optional protection requirements. All certified boots meet these criteria and carry an ‘S’ rating to indicate their protection level:
SB (Safety Basic) - Providing a basic level of protection with a 200-joule impact- resistant toe cap, ideal for low-risk environments where protection from falling objects is the main requirement.
S1 - Providing the same level of SB protection plus anti-static properties, fuel oil resistance and energy-absorbing heels. Ideal for dry indoor environments like warehouses or logistics facilities.
S2 - Builds upon S1 with water- resistant uppers, making it suitable for environments where workers may encounter moisture, splashes or liquids.
S3 - All S2 features plus a penetration- resistant midsole. Offering the highest common level of protection, it’s the go-to for construction, industrial and hazardous environments
S4 - S4 combines S1 protection with a fully waterproof, leak-proof moulded polymer or rubber construction, often in a Wellington-style boot. Particulary suitable for agriculture and industries exposed to heavy moisture
S5 - Combining S4 protection with a penetration-resistant midsole, S5 is ideal for wet, hazardous environments – such as landscaping, agriculture and utilities.
S6 - Introduced in EN ISO 20345:2022, S6 combines S2 protection with full waterproofing, making it ideal for the full scope of demanding industries and wet working conditions.
S7- S7 footwear delivers S3 safety with full waterproofing, plus enhanced protection against impct, compression and sole penetration. It is designed for the most demanding wet and hazardous environments where maximum protection is a must.
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD BMJ finds out about a workwear brand that’s aligning itself with one of the toughest sports out there.
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one are the days when tradespeople just thew on any old piece of clothing to go to work in. Workwear garments are expected to be robust enough to perform well in tough working conditions, whilst also being comfortable and stylish enough to wear at other times.
James Posnett, product and procurement manager at safety equipment and workwear supplier Arco says: “We see the workwear market being shaped by three key trends. Workers now expect garments that not only perform on the job but also look and feel good enough to wear beyond the workplace. As workforces diversify, so does demand for wider sizing and fit options, while sustainability is evolving from a desirable feature to an essential requirement for many employers and procurement teams. “Products that combine comfort and flexibility are particularly popular. Stretch work trousers continue to see strong demand as tradespeople seek the comfort and mobility traditionally associated with sportswear and outdoor clothing. “Features such as stretch panels, reinforced knees, holster pockets and durable fabrics provide practical benefits. Performance and lightweight fabrics are increasingly sought after, offering improved breathability, moisture management and a modern appearance, particularly for customer-facing roles.
“The biggest driver of change in the market is worker expectation. People no longer accept uncomfortable or restrictive clothing simply because it’s workwear. They’re comparing it with the sportswear and outdoor clothing they wear outside of work, which is driving demand for better fit, greater flexibility and more modern styling.
“Looking ahead to the Autumn/Winter season, merchants should focus on products that offer weather protection, comfort and versatility. Layering systems are becoming increasingly popular, with many employers moving away from traditional heavy winter coats in favour of thermal base layers, fleeces, softshell jackets and lightweight insulated outerwear. This allows workers to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day while helping businesses standardise uniforms across multiple seasons. “More broadly, workwear is no longer viewed solely as protective clothing. Today’s workforce expects garments that combine durability and functionality with all-day comfort and a professional appearance.”
August 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
As part of the brand’s move to expand its presence beyond the building site TROJAN is now headline sponsor of ice hockey club, Hull Seahawks. The multi-year partnership will see the team rebranded as the TROJAN Hull Seahawks. The sponsorship comes at a period of sustained growth for UK ice hockey, with more than 1.3 million spectators attending games annually, and record-breaking crowds reported across the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League in recent seasons. Gemma Murray, head of brand for Arco, says: “TROJAN’s partnership with the Hull Seahawks is a natural extension of the TROJAN core values; hard work, resilience, and performance. “Our is brand built for hardworking tradespeople, and we see a strong alignment with ice hockey, one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, embodying the endurance and reliability that mirrors the qualities demanded of both elite athletes and skilled tradespeople. BMJ
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