Hard Hats. A Most Prized Possession. Head injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in the workplace, and can be life-changing for workers and those waiting for them to come home at the end of the workday. Falls and being struck by objects are two of OSHA’s top four causes behind deaths on the construction site. In any industry where a potentially damaging strike to the head is possible, hard hats must be used. WHY IT MATTERS 25% of traumatic brain injuries made up one-quarter of fatalities in the construction industry (CDC NIOSH) 84% of the workers who suffered head injuries were not wearing head protection (BLS Survey) 100,000 approximate number of workplace head injuries reported each year (BLS) What does OSHA have to say about hard hats? •29 CFR 1310.135 The employer shall ensure that each affected employee wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects. While OSHA doesn’t regulate how hard hats are •29 CFR 1310.135 The employer shall ensure that a designed and constructed, it protective helmet designed to reduce electrical shock does require their use. OSHA hazard is worn by each such affected employee when defers to ANSI Z89.1 and near exposed electrical conductors which could contact the head. •29 CFR 1926.100 Employees working in areas where CSA Z94.1 standards for construction, testing, and certification criteria. there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, from falling or flying objects, from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets. Does a hard hat have an “expiration” date? OSHA does not have a specific requirement on hard hat replacement. Work environment variables, such as sunlight exposure, temperature extremes, chemical exposure, and daily versus occasional use, will play a part in determining the need to replace the hard hat. As with any equipment you use, especially PPE, always follow the manufacturer’s replacement recommendations which is typically 12 months for suspensions, and 3-5 years for the shell. SAFETY CLASS G General Class: Provides impact and penetration resistance as well as dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts. CLASS E Electrical Class: Provides highest level of dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts. Also protects against impact and penetration hazards. CLASS C Conductive Class: Provides lightweight comfort and impact protection but no dielectric protection. All types of hard hats are for impact hazards, while classes are for electrical hazards. NOTE: Type I hard hats are tested for top impact only, while Type II must pass testing for both top and lateral impact.
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