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Understand what head protection equipment is, its types, the factors you should consider when choosing appropriate ones to use, and the dangers of not wearing them.
Published 26 Jun 2023
Head protection equipment refers to various types of safety gear designed to protect the head and mitigate the risk of head injuries in the workplace. It’s typically made from durable materials that can withstand impacts and provide a level of cushioning and shock absorption. Its design and construction may vary depending on the nature of the hazards involved and the specific industry, such as construction, manufacturing, and warehouse settings.
In certain industries, workplace safety hazards are more prevalent and the dangers that workers can be exposed to are more significant. Hence, organizations in these fields must enforce strict Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safety to help protect their employees at all times.
For example, the construction industry accounts for the greatest number of fatal and non-fatal work-related Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is mainly attributed to the nature of construction workers’ tasks and work environment where they can be struck by falling or flying objects.
Benefits of Using Head Protection Equipment
Hence, the primary purpose of head protection equipment, an example of PPE, is to provide a barrier between the head and minimize the risk or impact of safety hazards. Apart from that, the following are some key reasons why head protection safety must be prioritized:
By incorporating head protection into a broader safety framework that includes eye protection, respiratory protection, and other relevant PPE requirements, employers can ensure a comprehensive worker safety program.
Further, it’s important to note that many industries, countries, and regions have specific safety regulations that mandate the use of head protection equipment in particular work environments. Some examples are the following:
Potential hazards involved in various work, such as falling objects, impacts from machinery or equipment, low ceilings, or electrical hazards, can cause serious injuries to the head since it’s a vulnerable part of the body. These include the following:
Several types of head protection equipment are available and designed to suit various work environments and hazards. Also, various head PPEs have unique classes and categories, and it’s important for you to know which best fits your needs. Here are some common types being used in different occupations:
Hard hats are widely used in construction, industrial, and manufacturing settings. They typically feature a rigid outer shell made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or other durable materials. Often, this type of hat has a suspension system inside that helps absorb and distribute impact forces to provide protection against falling objects, impacts from machinery, and low ceilings.
Helmets are more specialized head protection gear designed for specific industries or activities. They offer more comprehensive protection than hard hats and may have additional features tailored to particular hazards. Some examples include the following:
Bump caps are designed to provide limited protection against minor bumps, scrapes, and lacerations. They are often used in industries where workers may encounter low-hanging objects or overhead obstructions, such as maintenance or warehouse environments. However, bump caps are unsuitable for heavy falling objects or high-impact hazards.
These are specialized headgear designed to protect against the intense heat, sparks, and radiation generated during welding. They typically feature a dark-tinted visor to shield the eyes and face from the bright welding arc. Also, they may have additional respiratory protection for filtering harmful fumes.
Workers in electrical industries use electrical PPE, including electrically insulating helmets. These are made from materials that do not conduct electricity and provide insulation to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
When choosing the type of head protection to use, several factors should be considered to ensure that it effectively addresses the specific hazards in the work environment. Make sure to keep these in mind:
Eliminate manual tasks and streamline your operations.
As part of your organization’s holistic program on continuous operational improvement, ensuring adequate and appropriate head protection PPE for your workers is a must. Using mobile-ready software like SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) helps you streamline the implementation of safety practices across your organization by doing the following:
Patricia Guevara
Patricia Guevara is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture. With her extensive content writing and copywriting experience, she creates high-quality content across a variety of relevant topics. She aims to promote workplace safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement in her articles. She is passionate about communicating how technology can be used to streamline work processes, empowering companies to realize their business goals.
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