Hard Hat Safety
Date Posted: 09/10/2016
Hard hats are an essential part of head protection. The brain is the body’s command center; it offers the body a way to function and must be protected. Hard hats are a type of helmets worn in workplaces to protect the head from flying objects, collision impact, debris, and shock.
Hard Hat Functions
Protect you from falling objects.
Protect your head in case of a fall or bumps into machinery, ductwork, and other structures.
Protect you from electrical shocks and burns if it's a non-conductive hat.
Added Bonus
A hard hat is a convenient place to put stickers and decals, especially for certifications.
Hard Hat Classifications
Class-A hard hats are designed to protect the head from falling objects and low voltages.
Class-B hard hats protect the head from falling objects and high voltages.
Class-C hats do not offer any voltage protection.
Proper Care
In order for your hard hat to take care of you, you need to care for your hat.
Always keep your hard hat properly adjusted.
Do not cut, bend or heat the hard hat.
When you see deep gouges or cracks in the shell, replace the hard hat with a new one.
Proper Wearing
Do not wear it backwards.
Do not put anything inside your hard hat except your head.
Do not try to substitute the hard hat for a “bump cap.” The bump cap will not provide adequate protection from falling objects; just isn’t strong enough.
Do not use the hard hat as a stool or a step; doing so weakens the shell of the hard hat.
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
Did you know that there is a difference between different hard hat classifications?
Do you know which type of hard hat that should be worn for the work you are doing?
Have you known anyone who has suffered a head injury because they did not wear a hat hat?
What important decals have you noticed on a hard hat?
