On construction and industrial sites up and down the country,
hard hats and other forms of protective headwear are a common sight, and they have become an essential part of a worker’s personal protective equipment (PPE) kit. For those who operate in situations where objects are at risk of falling from height, or they can be hit by low or moving parts, head protection is necessary.
It might only be a small and inexpensive item, but the appropriate head protection can save a life or prevent serious injury, including spinal problems.
As well as ensuring employees have the right safety headwear, companies that operate in high-risk environments should also be mitigating the chance of accidents occurring. This includes planning the site carefully, the use of scaffolding with toe boards to prevent objects from falling and brick guards if these are necessary.
However, these can’t completely eradicate the risk of injury, so head protection should still be worn to increase safety.
Safety Headwear Buying Guide
When you’re selecting safety headwear, it’s important to understand that not all hats are the same, and they won’t all have the features that you need.
The first area that you should be factoring in is the fit of the helmet. It is vital that it is worn correctly at all times - it won’t matter what extra safety features it includes as it won’t protect a worker’s head in the right way if it is not fitting securely, and it will also be uncomfortable.
Most protective headwear can be adjusted in small increments to create a secure fit, which allows air to circulate, and the impact of a force will be distributed correctly to minimise injuries.
In some environments, you will require additional
accessories on headgear, such as safety glasses,
face shields, ear muffs, head lamps or radios. These should be fitted properly so they don't obstruct the protection offered by the helmet.
A chin strap is an essential element of protective headwear if you’re working from height or close to a pit edge, to prevent it from falling off and injuring someone else.
Maintaining Protective Headwear
Once you’ve bought the appropriate safety headgear, it’s also necessary to keep it well maintained and check it regularly for any signs of deterioration. Damaged helmets will not provide the same level of protection, so helmets should be inspected at the start and end of every shift, including the shell, accessories and harness.
Damage can occur to a helmet if objects drop onto the shell or strike it, and when it has been thrown or dropped. Where there is visible damage to a safety helmet, or if it’s had a serious impact, it must be replaced immediately as this could have decreased the penetration resistance or shock absorption.
When helmets are not in use, they need to be stored safely and out of direct sunlight or hot and humid environments. If any parts are found to be damaged, they should be replaced before it is used, and the sweatband needs to be cleaned or replaced frequently.
If a safety helmet is being issued to someone else, it should first be checked to make sure that it is in correct working order and cleaned in the appropriate manner.
FAQs
How long does safety headwear last?
A safety helmet should indicate when it was manufactured, but there is no set expiry date. If the protective headgear is stored, maintained and used appropriately, it can last for many years, but if not, the safety features could deteriorate much sooner. Typically, around three to five years of general usage would be expected, but those worn regularly on construction sites would need replacing before this.
Can safety helmets be modified?
Protective headwear shouldn’t be modified with any stickers or markings, unless these have the manufacturer’s approval, as some adhesives can deteriorate the quality of the shell. If you require a logo on the helmet, this should be done at the point of manufacture. It is also essential to only use specified accessories and to wear it in the correct manner.
Do bump caps offer the same protection as safety helmets?
Even though
bump caps do offer a level of head protection, they have not been designed to protect the user from objects falling on them, which is what a safety helmet will also do.
What does a harness do?
One of the main benefits of the harness is to ensure that the helmet stays on if it’s knocked or the wearer bends down. However, it’s also a crucial component that helps to absorb energy in the event of an impact and spreads the force out evenly to minimise injuries.
