The Importance of Hard Hats
Hard hats are crucial pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to use while on the job. Wearing this PPE can make all the difference in protecting employees like you from severe head injuries. Hard hats are required on many job sites. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992)—enforced by the Health and Safety Executive—employers must provide workers with a hard hat on sites where there is a risk of head injuries.
Because of the higher risk of being injured by moving objects, electrical shocks or harmful collisions on the job, it is especially important to wear hard hats—and it’s commonly required—when working in the following industries:
- Construction
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Manufacturing
Hard hats protect three main areas of the body: the eyes, neck and head. Here are some key features of a hard hat that can help protect you while you work:
- Shell—The most notable feature of a hard hat is its solid, sturdy exterior. This material is tough and difficult to penetrate, making it especially effective against collisions with falling debris or any other materials that could strike and injure your head.
- Suspension—Hard hats have a suspension system to maintain a safe distance between the inside of the hat and your head. This is particularly useful when a forceful collision happens, ensuring the hat itself will not cause harm.
- Insulation—Many hard hats include a type of insulation that protects against electrical shock. Depending on the type of job you are working on, this insulation may or may not be necessary.
Could your construction business do with a review of your health and safety protocols? Our experienced risk managers specialise in building site health and safety and can help you reduce risk, lower costs and potentially save lives. Get in touch today.