The Incredible Importance Of Hard Hat Safety   by Ben Pate

in Business / Security    (submitted 2011-12-20)

It would be impossible to remove every hazard from the work place. The severity of injuries, however, can be minimized if workers wear suitable protective headgear. Every year unacceptable numbers of workers sustain serious head injuries due to accidents at work. Many of these injuries could be avoided if proper hard hat safety protocols were in place.

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.

Protective Headgear

There are certain situations in which safety clothing and equipment should always be worn. Hats should be worn on sites where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects and debris. Accidental collisions with fixed objects, such as overhead beams, also pose a risk. On any site where there are electrical hazards,the appropriate hats must be worn. This applies to all people on the site including visitors.

Risk Assessment

At every work site, a thorough risk assessment should be undertaken. This will determine the type of protective headwear required. A Type I helmet provides protection from blows to the top of the head. A Type II helmet will provide protection both from blows to the side and to the top of the head. Some hats also have the benefit of integral features such as ear defenders and face visors.

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

All helmets are subject to eventual deterioration. It is advisable to replace helmets after five years. If there is any obvious sign of distress to the shell such as scratching, dullness or cracks, the helmet should be considered unsafe. If a helmet is struck by a hard object, it will have to be exchanged for a new one, even if no damage is apparent. If the helmet cannot be secured properly to the head because of damaged suspension, these parts should be replaced.

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.

About the Author

All personnel should be trained in hard hats safety if the work place demands it. The safety clothing and equipment will prevent unnecessary injuries and could save lives. Employers are ultimately responsible for the welfare of employees in the work place.