It's all in your head: Hard hats vs. Safety helmets

Back in December, OSHA announced they were switching from hard hats to safety helmets for their own compliance officers to better protect them from hazards on the job. They also released a publication detailing the differences between the two and why employers might want to consider making the switch too (spoiler alert: they did not mandate the switch, but they did make some good arguments that direction).

Hard hats have been the 'meat and potatoes' of workplace PPE for many years, and for some it might be hard to consider a change. But here's some solid points that might make you consider safety helmets instead.

1. Chin straps.

For working at heights or with potentially awkward positioning, chin straps can help ensure the safety helmet stays on and doesn't become a falling projectile and hazard for someone below.

2. Vents

Safety helmets can incorporate vents that allows heat to dissipate inside the helmet, allowing them to cool easier.

3. Integration of accessories such as hearing protection, eye protection, or communication systems

While there are a few systems now that can be used with hard hats as well, integration is currently more advanced for safety helmets.

Whatever your company decides for head protection, make sure you're evaluating the risks and choosing the head protection that most appropriately addresses those risks.

From the publication mentioned above, OSHA outlines the following categories of head protection (this applies to both hard hats and safety helmets):

"Two Types (impact) and three Classes (electrical) of head protection are recognized.

Type I head protection offers protection from blows to the top of the head.

Type II head protection offers protection from blows to the top and sides of the head.

Class G (General) head protection is designed to reduce exposure to low voltage conductors and are proof tested at 2,200 volts (phase to ground).

Class E (Electrical) head protection is designed to reduce exposure to higher voltage conductors and are proof tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground).

Class C (Conductive) head protection is not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical hazards."

 

If you have any questions about which head protection is most appropriate for your employees, feel free to reach out to TT&S.