Today, we are accustomed to how important it is to wear a hard hat on-site. But that hasn’t always been the case.
Before rules and guidelines were strengthened, many construction workers and scaffolders were killed or suffered serious head injuries. The risks were plentiful including objects falling from height, or the unprotected end of a scaffold pole. It was abundantly clear failing to wear a height safety helmet on construction, scaffolding or industrial sites was jeopardising worker safety.
What are the safety helmet rules today?
The PPE Regulations 1992 currently apply to the supply and use of hard hats on construction sites. This regulation requires employers to provide hard hats to their staff, and ensure they are worn when it’s deemed necessary. At Leach’s, we recommend always wearing a height safety helmet on site; you never know when danger may strike. As the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Choosing a height safety helmet
Let’s be honest, our heads are quite important. Wearing a height safety helmet can save a life, so we must do all we can to choose the best helmet for your needs. But there are so many out there. How can you choose one that’s right for you?
Tip #1 – Ensure it’s a comfortable fit. Perhaps this goes without saying, but the more comfortable you are wearing a safety helmet, the more likely you are to keep it on. Manufacturers have worked hard to develop height helmets from new materials to make them more comfortable than ever, exactly for this purpose.
Tip #2 – Make sure your helmet conforms to the right regulations. While regions across the world may have different requirements, it’s important to make sure yours adheres to the local laws.
Tip #3 – Choose a helmet that can add relevant accessories. From helmet liners and safety googles to hearing protection, a height safety helmet can help protect more than just your head. Safer is always better.
Tip #4 – Do your research. Do you recognise the brand? Does the helmet have good reviews? Does the company have good feedback? There are many cheap knockoffs around so be thorough in your research. Lives are at stake.
And finally, take care of your height safety helmet, so it can take care of you.
It’s good practice with all construction and scaffolding safety equipment to conduct regular inspections. That height safety helmet you’ve been wearing for 5 years may’ve been the best available at the time, but is it still in good shape now? Best to give it a check before you use it again.
Our pick of the bunch
At Leach’s, we recommend the BIGBEN Ultralite Height Safety Helmet, one of the best hard hats available on the market today.
The BIGBEN hard hat is lightweight yet still incredibly strong. Durable and comfortable. Importantly, it also complies with the EN12492 and EN397 for shock absorption and penetration. So, whether you’re working at height or on the ground, offshore or onshore, it really is a hard hat you can trust.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in head protection, learn more about the BIGBEN Ultralite Height Safety Helmet today.
