Protect Your Brain: A Basic Guide to Head Protection (OSHA-Approved)  

(Free Stock photos by Vecteezy)

Why risk your noggin when you can keep it safe? Head protection should be at the top of your PPE priority list. After all, a head injury can be absolutely devastating, potentially causing severe trauma or even death.

According to OSHA, employers have a legal obligation to provide head protection in the workplace whenever employees are at risk of encountering falling objects, falls, bumped noggins, or electrical hazards.

In this regard, OSHA and ANSI are hand in glove. Head protection must comply with several ANSI standards as required by OSHA.

So, who needs head protection? Basically, anyone who might encounter: (1)

• Falling objects from above
• Fixed objects that could bonk their heads (think exposed pipes and beams)
• Electrical hazards that could give their noggin a jolt
• Common occupations where head protection is a must include construction workers, carpenters, electricians, linemen, plumbers, pipe fitters, loggers, welders, and more.

Now, let’s talk about the basic requirements for head protection. A good headgear should: (2)

• Resist objects penetrating it like a champ
• Absorb the shock of a blow impressively
• Be water-resistant and slow burning (for those unexpected fire situations)
• Come with crystal-clear instructions on how to adjust and replace the suspension and headband
• And what must all head protection gear include? According to OSHA, it’s non-negotiable: (3)
• Clear instructions for adjustment and replacement
• A sturdy outer shell
• A shock-absorbing lining with a headband and suspension straps that leave a comfortable gap of 2.54 to 3.18 centimeters between your head and the shell.

OSHA law demands compliance with these ANSI standards:

• ANSI Z89.1-2009, the “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection”
• ANSI Z89.1-2003, the “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection”
• ANSI Z89.1-1997, the “American National Standard for Personnel Protection-Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers-Requirements”

Don’t compromise on your brain’s safety. Invest in proper head protection that meets OSHA and ANSI standards. Your future self will thank you!

Browse head protection.

To learn more about Hard Hat types, classes and usage, see our related blog post here.

Check out our guide to hardhat accessories here.

1. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.100#:~:text=Employees%20working%20in%20areas%20where,be%20protected%20by%20protective%20helmets.
2. https://blog.ansi.org/ansi-isea-z891-industrial-head-protection/#gref
3. https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2014/09/01/Understanding-Head-Protection.aspx?Page=1