• Head injuries are among the most severe injuries workers might experience.
• Employers must provide head protection at no cost to employees whenever certain hazards are present.
• Head protection must meet one of three editions of ANSI Z89.1 (1997, 2003, 2009)

Thousands of head injuries occur each year in construction. Head injuries are caused by falling or flying objects, bumping the head against a fixed object, or electrical shock and burns. Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety program. A head injury can impair an employee for life; sometimes it can be fatal. Wearing a safety helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee’s head from injury. Hard hats can protect employees from impact and penetration hazards as well as from electrical shock and burn hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule for head protection in Construction is 1926.100.

What are the PPE requirements for head protection?

The following are required by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regarding head protection:

• Assess the workplace for areas where employees could receive head injury from falling objects, or contact with exposed electrical conductors.
• Select appropriate head protection for the hazard, taking into account any electrical hazards.
• Ensure head protection meets one of three editions of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1 standards (1997, 2003, or 2009, or equivalent).
• Provide head protection at no cost to the employee.
• Train employees on how to use and care for head protection.
• Enforce the use of head protection when needed.

Who must comply?

Employers with employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns must comply.