When you ask a lay person to name an example of workplace PPE, chances are one of the more common answers will be ‘helmets’ or ‘hard hats’. They are indeed an important piece of safety apparel, for an injury to the head can have devastating consequences that the worker may never fully recover from. It’s important to understand why head protection is needed in workplaces, so let’s take a look at five risks that hard hats protect workers and visitors from.

1. Head PPE can mitigate injury from impact from falling objects

Many workplaces involve the risk of workers or visitors being struck by falling objects. An example of this would be a construction site, where there is a constant risk of tools or materials falling from above. This is why helmets are an absolutely essential piece of PPE in such work environments.

2. Head PPE can mitigate injury from impact from projectiles

In some environments, workers and visitors are at risk of flying debris (e.g., quarrying, construction) and therefore all those present need to wear adequate head protection, should they suddenly be struck in the head by projectiles (e.g., stone chippings).

3. Head PPE can mitigate injury from impact from stationary hazards

It’s not just falling or flying objects that workers need to protect their heads from, stationary fixtures can present a hazard too. This is particularly prevalent in constricted space work environments, for example, mining. Another example would be mechanics working underneath vehicles (an example of where bump caps are often preferable to helmets.

4. Head PPE can mitigate injuries from sips, trips, and falls

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the more common causes of workplace injuries. And your head is as much at risk of injury here as other parts of your body. A helmet can help mitigate injury should you strike your head on something hard when you fall.

5. Specialised head PPE to electrical hazards

Some workplaces expose workers to the risk of electric shock or burns, and in these situations, it’s vital that workers are given appropriate insulated hard hats designed to protect against these risks.

Got questions? We’ll be happy to answer them, call our PPE experts today on 0402 32116 (Arklow) or 021 484 1370 (Cork). Alternatively, visit our safety shops and view our extensive range of PPE and workwear.