• Head injuries are among the most severe injuries workers might experience.
• The OSHA standard head protection applies to all General Industry employers whose employees are exposed to certain hazards in the workplace.
• 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)

Injuries to the head can be some of the most severe injuries workers can experience. That is why the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires employers to protect employees from hazards from falling objects that could strike the head. This takes the form of hard hats and similar PPE.

OSHA’s head protection standard is detailed in 1910.135.

What are the PPE requirements for head protection?

Employers covered under the head protection standard should:

• 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 standard (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?

OSHA’s head protection standard applies to all general industry employers who have employees with exposure to such hazards.