What Safety Shoes are Required on Saudi Construction Sites?
Safety compliance on construction sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is strictly monitored by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) alongside municipal inspectors. In this guide, we detail the exact safety shoe standards required under Saudi law.
1. Mandatory Certifications
Footwear used on industrial sites must possess SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) quality marks or correspond directly to EN ISO 20345 international standards. The shoes must clearly display CE labeling, protection class, and manufacturing batch numbers.
2. Minimum Protective Features
- Steel or Composite Toe Caps: Rated for a minimum impact resistance of 200 Joules to protect from falling masonry or steel beams.
- Anti-Puncture Midsole: A steel or Kevlar midsole insert resisting penetration of at least 1100 Newtons, essential for protection against nails and sharp debris.
- Slip Resistance: Outsoles must be rated SRC (SRA + SRB) to prevent slips on oil, water, or soap on concrete surfaces.
- Anti-Static Properties: Indispensable for projects involving fuel, electricity, or volatile chemicals.
3. Project-Specific Requirements
For major Saudi projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Global, contractors are required to supply S3-rated safety shoes (which include water-resistant uppers) to handle muddy ground or wet concrete handling.
FAQ Summary
What happens if sub-standard shoes are used?
Contractors face heavy penalties from ministry inspectors, and workers are prohibited from entering high-risk zones.
Does NETCO supply MHRSD compliant shoes?
Yes, all Vaultex safety shoes distributed by NETCO are fully compliant and come with certificate validation.