We don't only need steel toed, we also need steel shank to stop you from stepping on something and it going through your foot. Providing the site is considered "under construction" hard hat and safety footwear is required at all times (even in a finished house) although most inspectors are pretty lenient in a finished home not requiring a hard hat, but the second you step outside it better be on your head.

English speaking is also becoming less and less here as well.

Many years ago I was working for an industrial construction company and we were digging footings/foundations for wind turbines in the middle of farmers fields. MOL required hard hat, safety boots (minimum 6" boot with a shank), Long pants, t-shirt, High Vis vest, and safety glasses at all times. If getting within the barrier of the hole we would also need fall arrest harness and double lanyard. This while standing in a farmers field in 30+C (80+F) heat with 40+C (100+F) humidex, and the only equipment around is a high hoe.