Every pair of safety boots sold in Canada carries markings approved by the CSA Group. These symbols aren’t decoration. They tell you exactly what kind of protection the boot provides and whether it meets workplace safety requirements. Two of the most common marks are the Green Triangle and the White Omega. Both matter, but they stand for very different kinds of protection.
This guide explains what each symbol covers, how they differ, and when a worker might need one, the other, or both.
The CSA Green Triangle
The Green Triangle is the most familiar symbol on Canadian jobsites because it covers hazards that show up almost everywhere.
What the Green Triangle Means
- Grade 1 toe protection – the highest CSA rating for resistance to impact and compression. These boots can take the weight of falling tools, heavy loads, and crushing pressure.
- Puncture-resistant sole – a protective plate, made of steel or composite, runs through the midsole to block sharp objects such as nails, rebar, or shards of scrap.
Where You’ll See It
- Construction: Almost every contractor will require Green Triangle boots.
- Heavy trades: Carpentry, masonry, metal fabrication, welding, and demolition all involve sharp debris and heavy gear.
- Industrial yards and warehouses: Pallets, machinery, and constant movement of materials create impact and puncture risks.
The Green Triangle tells you a boot is built for rough surfaces, dropped objects, and underfoot hazards.
The CSA White Omega
The White Omega is less common on construction sites, but it is essential in industries where live electricity is part of the work.
What the White Omega Means
- Electrical shock resistance – tested to handle up to 18,000 volts under dry conditions without conducting electricity through the boot.
- Insulating sole and heel – prevents current from grounding through the worker’s body.
Where You’ll See It
- Electrical trades: Electricians, linemen, and technicians handling energized systems.
- Utilities: Field crews working with overhead lines, transformers, or underground cables.
- Maintenance: Industrial staff who service switchgear or control panels.
The White Omega confirms that a boot will help insulate the worker from dangerous contact with electricity.
Comparing Green Triangle and White Omega
Here’s a simple look at how the two symbols line up:
| Feature | Green Triangle | White Omega |
|---|---|---|
| Toe Protection | Grade 1 impact & compression | Not required |
| Puncture Resistance | Yes (midsole plate) | No |
| Electrical Resistance | No | Yes (up to 18,000V, dry) |
| Main Use | Construction, heavy trades | Electrical, utilities |
The chart shows how each certification deals with a specific type of hazard.
Which Symbol Fits Which Job?
The right choice depends on the worksite:
- Construction worker – Green Triangle boots are required because of nails, dropped materials, and heavy equipment.
- Electrician or line worker – White Omega boots provide the insulation needed around energized gear.
- Warehouse or general labour – Rules vary. Some sites call for puncture resistance, others focus on electrical hazards.
- Supervisors or foremen – If you move between multiple types of work areas, boots that carry both markings are the safest option.
Always check site rules or your company’s PPE policy. In many workplaces, wearing the wrong boot means you can’t enter the site.
Do You Ever Need Both?
Plenty of jobs involve overlapping hazards. Construction electricians, utility contractors, and maintenance crews often deal with sharp debris on the ground as well as electrical equipment. For those roles, boots with both the Green Triangle and the White Omega provide the right coverage.
MooseLog designs its boots with dual CSA markings, and they also meet ASTM F2413 requirements for U.S. worksites. That way, one pair of boots keeps you compliant on either side of the border.
Comfort Still Counts
CSA symbols tell you about safety performance, but they don’t speak to comfort. Anyone who works long shifts knows that weight and support matter as much as certifications. Features like composite toe caps and high-rebound insoles reduce fatigue while still meeting the standards. A safe boot that you can wear all day without pain is the boot that actually gets worn.
Final Thoughts
The CSA Green Triangle and White Omega are two of the most important markings in the Canadian safety boot system.
- Green Triangle covers impact and puncture hazards.
- White Omega covers electrical hazards.
- Some boots carry both, and that’s the right option for anyone moving between different kinds of work.
Understanding what these symbols mean helps you make the right call for your own safety. For a step-by-step breakdown of all CSA certifications, our Ultimate Guide covers every symbol and how to match it to your work.
MooseLog boots carry both markings, along with ASTM compliance, so you don’t have to second-guess your choice.
Explore MooseLog’s CSA & ASTM Certified Boots and find the pair that fits your work.
