Staying safe when electricity is part of the job
If you work in construction, utilities, or maintenance, you know how unpredictable jobsites can be. Stray wires, faulty connections, and accidental contact with live circuits can all create risks that many workers overlook. That’s why every MooseLog safety boot includes ESR protection as standard. ESR stands for Electric Shock Resistant, and it’s one of the most important features built into modern work boots.
In this guide, we’ll explain what ESR really means, how it compares to EH (the U.S. equivalent), why MooseLog uses it in every boot, and how to spot the CSA marking so you know your footwear is certified.
What ESR Means in Safety Footwear
In Canada, safety boots are certified to CSA Z195, the national standard for protective footwear. Under this standard, ESR boots are designed to withstand electrical shocks up to 18,000 volts under dry conditions. The purpose is to reduce the risk of electric current flowing through your body if you accidentally step on or touch a live wire.
ESR boots are identified by the CSA White Square with Ω (Omega symbol). If your boots carry that icon, you know they’ve been tested and approved in a certified lab.
ESR vs EH: Canada and U.S. Terminology
If you’ve ever shopped on American sites or worked cross-border, you might have seen boots labeled as EH Rated instead of ESR. EH stands for Electrical Hazard, and it’s the U.S. equivalent of Canada’s ESR standard. EH boots are certified under ASTM F2413, which is the American footwear safety standard.
While the words differ, the purpose is the same: to protect workers from accidental contact with electricity.
Because MooseLog boots are dual certified to both CSA Z195 and ASTM F2413, you don’t have to worry about differences between ESR and EH. No matter where you’re working, your MooseLog boots meet the recognized safety requirements in North America.
Why ESR Protection Matters
Electrical hazards aren’t limited to electricians. They can be present in almost every industrial setting.
- Construction: power tools, temporary wiring, and wet conditions all increase the risk.
- Utilities and maintenance: working near transformers, fuse boxes, or underground cabling.
- Warehousing: forklifts, charging stations, and lighting systems bring electrical exposure.
- HVAC and mechanical trades: frequent interaction with wiring and panels.
Even if your main job isn’t electrical, having ESR protection provides peace of mind. It’s about reducing risk when the unexpected happens.
Why MooseLog Uses ESR in Every Boot
At MooseLog, ESR is not an upgrade. Safety is never optional, and every worker deserves the same level of protection. That is why every MooseLog boot, from the classic 5666 Chelsea style to our upcoming lace-up model, includes ESR certification.
This is part of our brand promise built on these three pillars:
- Safety: CSA and ASTM dual certified. Handles all North American jobsites.
- Comfort: Light on foot with underfoot support that keeps you moving all shift.
- Reliability: Same feel, shift after shift. Starts strong, ends strong.
By making ESR standard, MooseLog removes confusion for buyers and inspectors. Workers know their boots are certified and ready for the jobsite.
Common Myths About ESR Boots
Because electrical hazards sound technical, there are a few myths about ESR boots that are worth clearing up.
Myth 1: ESR boots are only for electricians.
Fact: Any worker on a jobsite may encounter stray voltage. ESR is for anyone exposed to wires, tools, or equipment.
Myth 2: ESR boots are the same as insulated lineman’s boots.
Fact: ESR boots protect against incidental contact. Lineman’s boots are a different category designed for direct, high-voltage contact.
Myth 3: ESR makes boots heavier or less comfortable.
Fact: ESR is achieved through design and materials in the sole. With MooseLog’s composite toe and SafeTread outsole, our boots stay lightweight and comfortable while still meeting certification.
Myth 4: ESR boots replace other PPE.
Fact: ESR is an additional safeguard. Workers still need lockout/tagout, insulated tools, and proper training.
How to Identify ESR Boots
In Canada, the easiest way to know if your boots have ESR protection is to look for the CSA White Square with the Ω symbol. This marking is usually stitched onto the outside or inside label of the boot.
MooseLog boots carry both CSA symbols and ASTM markings stamped inside each pair. This makes it simple for inspectors, employers, and workers to verify compliance without guesswork.
ESR and MooseLog’s Other Safety Features
While ESR is essential, MooseLog boots also combine multiple protective features to cover the full range of jobsite risks:
- Composite Toe Cap (Grade 1) — lighter than steel, just as strong.
- Puncture Resistant Plate — CSA Green Triangle certified, defends against nails and debris.
- SafeTread™ Outsoles — slip, oil, and heat resistant up to 300°C (572°F).
- Durable Leather Upper — water-resistant and built to last.
This full package means MooseLog boots protect against more than electricity. They’re built for the realities of tough industrial environments. For a deeper dive, check out the blog post Inside a Safety Boot: Every Layer Explained
Final Word
When it comes to workplace safety, cutting corners isn’t an option. That’s why MooseLog makes ESR protection standard in every boot we produce. Whether you’re on a construction site, maintaining utilities, or supervising a warehouse, you can step in knowing your boots are certified to protect against electrical hazards as well as the many other risks you face each day.
Look for the White Square with the Ω symbol. Look for CSA and ASTM stamps. And when in doubt, choose boots that take your safety as seriously as you do.
Discover MooseLog Work Boots, which are tested, certified, and jobsite ready.
