What is head protection and why is it important?

People who work at manufacturing plants, construction sites, warehouses, and in industrial settings are often required by health and safety laws to wear head protection while on duty.

However, it is sensible to wear head protection when carrying out any task where there is a risk of falling objects, impact, or injury from heavy machinery.

In this article, we’ll answer the question ‘Does protective headgear prevent head injury?’, explore the different types of head protection available, and explain why it’s so important to wear it.

What is head protection?

Head protection is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in high-risk work environments to protect against head injuries.

Hard hats are the most protective and common type of head protection, consisting of a hard outer shell made from high-density polyethylene, an internal suspension system, and a soft, protective headband.

The outer shell deflects falling objects and takes the initial blow during impact, spreading the force over a larger area.

The internal suspension system and headband help to absorb the impact before it reaches your skull.

There are different types of hard hats available; some also feature electrical insulation to protect against electrical hazards.

Why is head protection important?

Suffering any kind of head trauma can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

So, does a helmet protect your head? Yes, wearing head protection is a simple safety measure that can protect you against serious injury.

Wearing the correct head protection can safeguard you against:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Concussion

• Skull fractures

• Eye and face injuries

In some industries and environments, it’s a legal requirement to wear head protection at work or while performing specific duties.

Failing to do so could result in dismissal, penalties, or even prosecution for the employee and the employer at fault.

What are the benefits of using head protection at work?

The most obvious reason to wear a hard hat at work is to protect yourself against potentially life-changing injury.

But beyond that, there are several other benefits of ensuring you always wear the right head protection at work.

• Protect yourself from serious injury

• Comply with health and safety regulations

• Minimise workplace risk and liability

• Peace of mind and confidence in your role

• Protection from the elements

• Maintain productivity and reduce downtime

• Promote a positive safety culture

  
  

Wearing the right head protection at work should not be treated as a box-ticking exercise.

It’s a smart and simple safety measure that helps protect you and promote a responsible safety culture at work.

How to choose the right head protection

There are various types of hard hats available, and it’s important to choose the right one for the job to ensure sufficient protection.

Select the right type and class of hard hat

Different types of hard hats meet different EN safety standards and offer different levels of protection.

• EN 397

Hard hats that meet the EN 397 standard offer general industrial protection, including shock absorption, penetration resistance, flame retardance, and chinstrap anchorage.

• EN 14052

If you need more rigorous protection against impact, hard hats that meet the EN 14052 standard offer a greater level of protection.

• EN 50365

If you work with electrics, then a hard hat that meets the EN 50365 safety standard provides electrical insulation against low-voltage installations.

• EN 12492

Hard hats that meet the EN 12492 safety standard are known as climbing and mountaineering helmets for working at height. They protect the head from all sides, not just from above.

Head protection safety tips

To ensure that your head is adequately protected, it’s important to always carry out a few safety checks before donning your hard hat and getting to work.

Check for certification

First, check that a hard hat complies with UK safety standards. You should be able to see the EN safety standard printed on the inside of the hat alongside the manufacturer’s name and its production year.

Inspect the helmet’s condition

Before wearing a hard hat, inspect it to ensure that it is in good condition. There should be no dents or damage to the outer shell, and the chin strap should be in good condition. If you notice any signs of damage, don’t wear the hat.

Ensure that the helmet fits comfortably

Make sure that the hat is a good fit, adjusting the internal headband to fit snugly but comfortably on your head. The hat should not be loose enough that it can move around on your head or tight enough that it causes discomfort.

Store your hard hat safely

Hard hats should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures to prolong their lifespan and keep them in good condition.

Note that most hard hats need to be replaced every two to five years.

Head protection products from Load Straps and Slings

Here at Load Straps & Slings, we sell an extensive range of lifting, handling, and safety equipment, including high-quality, certified head protection products.

Our hard hats are fully certified and manufactured to meet UK and European safety regulations to provide maximum protection.

Our range of premium products, combined with our industry expertise, dedicated customer service team, and competitive prices, makes us the top choice for many UK businesses.

If you need head protection products in a hurry, we also offer a fast and efficient delivery service; most of our products are available with next-day delivery, provided you place your order before 3pm!