Are bump caps acceptable head protection?

Bump caps do not offer the same protection as a hard hat. As OSHA states in its publication on personal protective equipment: “Another class of protective headgear on the market is called a ‘bump hat,’ designed for use in areas with low head clearance. They are recommended for areas where protection is needed from head bumps and lacerations. These are not designed to protect against falling or flying objects and are not ANSI approved.” It is essential to check the type of hard hat employees are using to ensure that the equipment provides appropriate protection.