The Importance of Hard Hats

Hard hats are crucial pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the job. Wearing this PPE can make all the difference in protecting employees like you from severe head injuries. Hard hats are required on many job sites by OSHA, regardless of whether hazards are immediately visible.

Hard hats are especially important to wear—and commonly required—when working in the following industries:

• Construction
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Manufacturing

Within these fields, there is a higher risk of being injured by moving objects, electrical shock or harmful collisions on the job.

Hard hats protect three main areas of the body: the eyes, neck and head.

Here are some key features of a hard hat that can help protect your head while you work:

• Shell—The most notable feature of a hard hat is its solid, sturdy exterior. This material is tough and difficult to penetrate, making it especially effective against collisions with falling debris or any other materials that could strike you and harm your head on the job.
• Suspension—Hard hats have a suspension system to maintain a safe distance between the inside of the hat and your head. This is particularly useful when a forceful collision happens, ensuring that the hat itself will not cause harm.
• Insulation—Many hard hats include a type of insulation that protects against electrical shock. Depending on the type of job you are working, this insulation may or may not be necessary.

For more information on the use of hard hats within your workplace, talk to your supervisor.