Safety and Health Information Bulletin – Head Protection
Head protection is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job. It reduces the force of impact from falling objects that can cause serious injury or death.
In general, industrial head protection includes a first aid refills with suspension straps and an impact-absorbing lining. It also includes a headband and brow pads to cradle the crown of the head. Some hats may have accessories for mounting other types of personal protective equipment, such as face shields and hearing protectors. However, adding these accessories can affect the head protection offered by the helmet.
How to Choose the Right Head Protection for Work and Sports
There are different types of head protection, depending on the hazards a worker is likely to encounter in the workplace. Some are designed to be used in a high-impact accident, such as a fall from a height or an impact with a fixed object. Others are designed for low-impact impacts, such as those from small tools or materials that might drop. Some are also designed to be worn when working near overhead electrical hazards.
Some traditional hats are called safety helmets, and they are generally considered to be more advanced and protective than older models. The purpose of this Safety and Health Information Bulletin is to describe the advantages of these newer types of head protection, and to help employers and workers understand what they should look for when choosing a helmet.