Hard Hats; Why it’s Important To Wear Them

In many areas of construction, manufacturing, or offshore type environments the provision and use of hard hats is a common and highly visible occurrence, but why do we rely on and use this piece of PPE?

Why do we wear them?

Simply put most professions are high risk and head injuries can occur in a multitude of ways ranging from falling and fixed objects, height restrictions, confined spaces, and protruding infrastructure such a wooden / steel beams and scaffolding to name a few. Wearing the right hat can help prevent or reduce the severity of any possible head injury. 

The law and hard hats

In 2013, hard hats became compulsory under certain circumstances. They and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are considered essential for managing risks that other means cannot control. Legislation and guidance surrounding PPE includes:

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2016/425.

Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 Regulation 2016/425

Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (Guidance v4), which applies to equipment supplied from 01 April 2021.

Note that other regulations may take precedent in areas cited above where hard hats are not required. For instance, the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 hard hats are still mandatory even where other laws have changed.

The right hat for the right Job

To improve protection, hard hats may have several valuable features such as :

BS EN 397 is a European standard on industrial safety helmets that discusses the requirements and test methods for industrial safety helmets to ensure protection for workers against head injuries.  

A peak to prevent dazzling from the sun and electrical light.

A shortened peak for better vision in confined spaces or on maintenance tasks.

Ventilation holes or replaceable sweatbands.

Chinstrap and or chin guard.

Removable visor.

Integrated ear protection.

Chemical and heat resistance for working in high-risk environments.

A worker alert system or proximity sensor mounted on the back of the helmet that uses GPS and RFID technology to help prevent collisions between personnel and machines.

Hard hat the questions we need to ask:

My hard hat will last me for as long as I work.

At a minimum, you should replace hard hats every five years even if there is no apparent damage. The label inside of the plastic outer shell may also offer specific manufacturer recommendations, a golden rule is (if you think it is damaged or suspect replace it immediately)

Do I need to wear a hard hat every time I visit a building site.

Hard hats are only required as needed. If a site risk assessment hasn't identified any head injury risks, then you don't need to wear one unless specific construction site rules dictate otherwise.

Do I need to wear a hard hat even though it discriminates against my religion.

Employment Act 1989, as amended by Section 6 of the Deregulation Act 2015, exempts Sikhs wearing turbans from compulsory hard hat use. However, this is a limited exception and does not extend to areas where head protection is deemed essential or wearing other PPE.

If I'm only doing a quick job, do I need to bother with a hard hat.

Accidents happen without warning at any time, it takes seconds to put on your hard hat it can save you a from a serious injury.

All hard hats are colour coded according to job function.
Depending on the site or business procedures different coloured hats are used for differing tasks, make sure you speak to the site management team before working on or visiting the site get it right first time.

Hard hats tips
Make sure that your hard hat is manufactured to BS EN 397. This should be stamped either on the back or inside of the helmet. There should also be a conformity mark. If its missing or damaged replace the hat immediately. 

Check your hard hat regularly for signs of damage, including the inner lining and chin strap, if you suspect its damaged replace it immediately.

Make sure that your hard hat fits properly. If it's too loose, then adjust the strap at the back of the internal lining, if its damaged, or not working as it should replace it.

Avoid wearing caps, and other head coverings under your hard hat It may prevent your hard hat from fitting securely.

Look after your hard hat; don’t place it anywhere it an get damaged and never sit on it, remember its main task in life is to protect you.

Don't wear a hard hat that's been exposed to chemicals; they could weaken the plastic and reduce its strength.

Clean your hat with warm, soapy water, and let it dry naturally preferably over a weekend or shift rest period.

Avoid placing non-approved stickers on your hat or write on it, it can potentially mask damage.

And finally remember the golden rule If you think your hard hat is damaged replace it immediately, and stay safe.