Hard hats should be worn by anyone working in a hazardous environment where there is a risk of head injury, including construction workers, miners, firefighters, & paramedics.
Did you know that in the United States, 13 workers die on the job per day, on average? And according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many of these deaths could have been prevented if workers had been wearing hard hats. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of hard hats and how to wear them properly. We will also provide tips on choosing the right hard hat for your needs.
How Does a Hard Hat Work?
A hard hat protects the wearer’s head from impact and penetration injuries. It does this by distributing the force of an impact over a wider area and deflecting objects away from the skull. Hard hats are also made from materials that can absorb energy, which helps to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an impact.
Who Should Wear a Hard Hat?
Hard hats should be worn by anyone working in a hazardous environment where there is a risk of head injury. This includes construction workers, miners, firefighters, and paramedics.
There are various hard hats on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here are a few hard hats and occupations that they are best suited for:
- Construction hard hats are perfect for construction workers as they are lightweight and offer good protection against impact and penetration injuries.
- Baseball cap-style hard hats are ideal for miners as they provide good ventilation and can be worn with a face shield.
- The firefighter’s hard hat is made from heat-resistant materials and features a face shield that can be easily removed.
- The paramedic’s hard hat is designed to protect against electrical shock.
How to Wear a Hard Hat
There are a few things to remember when wearing a hard hat:
- Make sure the hard hat fits properly. It should be snug but not too tight.
- Always wear the chin strap. This will help keep the hard hat in place if you fall or are hit by an object.
- Don’t wear anything that will obstruct the hard hat’s ability to protect your head, such as long hair or a scarf.
- Replace your hard hat whenever it is damaged or shows signs of wear.
To serve you longer, you should clean the hard hat regularly with a damp cloth. However, don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the helmet’s finish.
Also, avoid exposing it to strong sunlight or heat. Instead, store the hard hat in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Tips for Staying Safe in the Workplace
In addition to wearing a hard hat, there are a few other things you can generally do to stay safe in the workplace:
– Make sure you know how to use the tools and equipment you’re working with.
– Follow all safety instructions.
– Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when working near hazards.
– Take a break if you start to feel tired or stressed.
– Make sure someone knows where you are and what you’re doing at all times.
The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman Is Here to Help!
Have you been injured in a workplace accident? If so, our experienced St. Louis workers compensation attorneys are here to help. We have over 30 years of experience and can evaluate your case for free.