Requirements for wearing hard hats are a familiar – if not inconvenient reality - for anyone working in an industry dealing with potential hazards. These iconic rounded helmets have been protecting workers from falling objects and debris on sites for decades.
However, new guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may soon change the head protection landscape.
OSHA recently issued updated recommendations stating that safety helmets should now be used instead of traditional hard hats in nearly all workplace situations.
This shift comes after years of extensive testing showing safety helmets meet more rigorous impact and penetration standards. And with increased customization and accessory options on the market, ensuring that your teams aren’t sacrificing safety for style has never been more important.
What do these new OSHA suggestions mean for safety managers responsible for outfitting their workforce with proper protective equipment? And how can you ensure that you’re sourcing the right helmets for the job?
OSHA’s New Recommendations for Safety Helmets
On December 11, OSHA announced updated guidance recommending safety helmets over traditional hard hats for nearly all workplace situations. This decision comes after extensive evaluation revealing safety helmets meet higher impact and penetration standards while providing more customization options.
OSHA cited several key factors in their recommendation:
Greater Protection
Safety helmets must meet strict testing criteria, withstanding over 3x the amount of weight drop impact as hard hat requirements. Their materials and structure distribute force more evenly as well.
Chin straps prevent slipping, and built-in ventilation keeps workers cool while ensuring a secure fit.
Enhanced Features
Helmets offer integrated face shields, hearing protection, shade from sunlight, ventilation and communication systems.
Some feature heat resistance and electrical shock protection. These features accommodate emerging tech, and can offer greater convenience and efficiency over traditional options.
Increased Compatibility
Accessory options and modularity ensure helmets properly interface with specialized equipment for tasks like working at heights. Think construction, mining, industrial and other heavy duty jobs.
They also integrate modern tech tools boosting communication and monitoring abilities — which can be crucial in demanding workplace environments.
Recommended Uses for Safety Helmets
In their recent bulletin, OSHA provided an extensive list of workplace situations where they advise adopting safety helmets over traditional hard hats. They cited numerous advantages helmets provide across many hazard levels and industries, including:
Construction Sites
For construction sites, especially those with risks of falling debris, impacts from equipment, or slips and trips - safety helmets offer enhanced impact defenses. Features like rounded shells and advanced suspension systems provide hard hat-level protection even to helmet sides and rear. Integrated accessories protect against dust, chemicals and more.
Oil and Gas
In oil and gas sectors, threats include explosions, pressurized fluid jets, falls and fast-moving projectiles. Safety helmets with reinforced layers guard against punctures while providing fire retardance. Some models offer cooling systems to mitigate extreme heat exposure from refinery blast furnaces or welding torch sparks.
Electrical Utilities
Electrical utilities pose twin dangers - impacts/penetration from equipment & conductive materials up high and possible arc flashes or electrocution through contact with live components. Safety helmets with dielectric construction prevent electric shock during grid maintenance and repairs without compromising impact absorption strength.
Metal Foundries & Forging
Extreme environments in metal foundries feature piping hot furnaces, heavy machinery, intense light from glowing metals and high noise levels. Safety helmets safeguard against molten metal splash, tool strikes and falls via heat-resistant shells, integrated face/ear protection and stable chin straps. Cooling vents provide comfort.
Am I Using The Right OSHA Safety Helmet?
With OSHA’s updated recommendations favoring wide adoption of safety helmets, you may be wondering how to identify whether your current head protection meets standards and if you should switch to improved helmets. Here are a few guidelines and questions to help you determine if you’re using the right safety helmet for your working conditions:
Does your helmet meet certification standards?
- Reliable safety helmets are independently certified by ANSI, CE, CSA or another testing group, confirming they pass required impacts and penetrations tests for work.
Is the proper helmet class marked inside?
- The shock absorption/electrical rating Type (I/II) and Class (G,E,C) that applies to your environment will be labeled internally.
Does it have good all-around coverage and retention?
- An adjustable cushioned liner and stable chin strap ensure a snug OSHA-compliant fit preventing shifting out of place in motion.
Does it provide other essential protections?
- Consider needs like UV shade, ventilation, face shields, ear coverage, or cooling for work exposures you face.
Is the suspension upgradeable and modern?
- Newer elastomeric and hybrid suspensions improve comfort and longevity. Accessory options help futureproof for modern jobsites.
Have you inspected recently for any damages?
- Check for cracks, dents, frayed suspensions often which reduce impact absorption and require replacement.
Can it accommodate your monitoring tech needs?
- Validate there’s expandability for cameras, wearables, sensors and communication devices you deploy.
Asking these questions about your current helmet vs. the latest safety helmet offerings, you can determine if upgrading your head protection to meet new OSHA guidelines makes sense for your workforce’s needs.
Let Alta Max Help With Your OSHA-Approved Safety Needs
These new guidelines from OSHA are another step in helping ensure the safety of your workers. OSHA advised safety helmets present clear advantages for nearly all workplace situations – and their superior defenses, high performance options, and compatibility with accessories and monitoring tools make them well-suited for current and future jobsites.
Ensuring your workforce is outfitted with proper protective equipment that meets the latest OSHA guidelines is crucial, but can be challenging with changing standards. That’s where working with a knowledgeable supplier makes all the difference.
Alta Max can supply your company with all its PPE needs, including OSHA-recommended safety helmets tailored for your working conditions. As a leading distributor of MRO products including the most advanced head protection solutions, we simplify equipping your crews with reliable, comfortable and compliant gear.
Contact Alta Max today at (504) 948-8625 (Option 3) or reach out to Chris@altamax.net to discuss upgrading your safety helmet program.