Head protection keeps workers on their feet

Head injuries are among the most severe injuries workers may experience. OSHA requires hard hats when falling objects or other head hazards are present. Employers must conduct a hazard assessment to determine where protection is needed and what type is appropriate. During the hazard assessment, employers should look for sources of motion, falling objects, and electrical hazards, as well as the potential for dropping objects.

Hard hats are often required for carpenters, electricians, linemen, mechanics, plumbers, assemblers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, loggers, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers.

Overview

Hard hats provide protection from impact and penetration of falling objects through the use of a hard outer shell and an inner suspension system. Some hard hats protect from high-voltage electrical shocks and burns.

OSHA’s rules state that protective helmets must comply with either the 2009, 2003, or 1997 editions of ANSI Z89.1, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection. This industry consensus standard describes the types and classes, materials, performance requirements, and tests that manufacturers must meet to ensure their helmets provide adequate protection. Hard hats meeting ANSI Z89.1-1997 and later editions have the following Type and Class descriptions:

• Type 1: Intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow only to the top of the head.
• Type 2: Intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow which may be received off center or to the top of the head.
• Class G (General) hard hats provide impact protection and low voltage protection.
• Class E (Electrical) hard hats provide impact protection and high voltage protection.
• Class C (Conductive) hard hats provide impact protection and no voltage protection.

Each helmet must be marked with the following information:

• Name and/or identification mark of the manufacturer,
• Date of manufacture,
• ANSI designation,
• Type and class designation, and
• Appropriate headband size range.

Training requirements

Workers who are required to wear head protection must receive training that includes an explanation of when head protection is necessary, what type to use, how to properly use and adjust it, and its limitations.

Workers also must understand how to properly care for their hard hats so they continue to provide adequate protection. This includes inspecting them for signs of damage and wear. Hard hats with defects such as perforation, cracking, or deformity should be removed from service and replaced. Any hard hat that has sustained an impact also should be removed from service and replaced, even if there’s no visible damage.

Hard hats should be stored out of sunlight and heat and should not be modified in any way. The manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance should be followed.