Realizing Hard Hat Safety With Its Benefits

Posted by on December 26, 2011

It is not possible to control or eliminate all potential hazards in the work place. Employers can, however, ensure that their workers are adequately protected. An alarming number of people suffer work related injuries to the head every year. More worryingly, a large percentage of these injuries could have been avoided if protective headgear had been worn. So, hard hat safety is a big issue which employers need to address.

Safety Laws

Employers should have a good understanding of work place safety laws and implement these effectively throughout their organization. A failure to adhere to regulations could result in substantial fines. Death or serious injury arising from negligence may lead to criminal proceedings against employers. Responsible employers accept that they have a duty to safeguard workers.

Protection

There are a number of instances in which safety clothing and equipment must be worn. This applies to situations where falling objects or debris could strike a person on the head from above. It is applicable when there is a danger of workers bumping into fixed objects, such as beams or exposed pipe work. If there is a risk of the head making contact with an electrical hazard, protective headgear is a necessity. All visitors to a work site, regardless of their status, must wear the appropriate hats in such circumstances.

Work Place Safety

Different types of helmet are required in different situations. A risk assessment of the work place should inform the choice of headgear. There are two basic types of helmet. The Type I helmet protects the crown of the head. The Type II helmet protects the crown of the head and protects against side impacts. The inclusion of additional features, such as face shields or ear defenders, is appropriate in some instances.

Classes

Protective headwear is also categorized into different classes according to the level of protection they afford against electrical currents. Class G, or general class hats, will protect against shocks of up to 2 200 volts. Class E, or electrical class hats, are proof tested at 20 000 volts. Class C refers to conductive hats; these provide no significant protection against electrical currents.

Durability

Protective hats are subject to wear and tear. Most manufacturers will recommend that they be replaced every five years. If at any time cracks appear in the shell, or the shiny surface area of the shell becomes dull and scratched, replacement is advisable. A brittle shell is also an indicator that it is no longer fit for the purpose. The suspension, the straps and mounts that attach hats to heads must be renewed if any part of it becomes broken or loose or can no longer be securely fitted.

Care

Workers should avoid making any modifications to their hats as doing so may compromise performance. Similarly, they should avoid using paints, solvents or harsh chemicals on hats. Hats are best stored out of direct sunlight as UV exposure causes deterioration. The straps should never be pulled back over the peak of the helmet. They should always be worn with the peak facing forwards.

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