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Considerations for Choosing Head Protection: OSHA Compliance, Hazard Assessments, and Technology Advancements
An updated version of OSHA’s “Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace” SHIB was released in April 2024, following the original release in November 2023, to help clarify some key points about head protection types, classes and considerations when selecting a solution. The OSHA SHIB states, “With a thorough understanding of the benefits and capabilities of head protection options, employers and workers can make informed decisions on selection and use.”
The SHIB states that “modern head protection—whether it’s a safety helmet or a hard hat—varies in styles and levels of protection, allowing employers and workers to choose head protection appropriate for the job.” OSHA continues, “Employers must conduct a hazard assessment at their job site and based on the workplace hazards, determine whether head protection is necessary and, if so, the most appropriate type.”
Head Protection Types and Classes Outlined in the OSHA SHIB
OSHA recognizes two Types (impact) and three Classes (electrical) of head protection.
These include:
• Type I head protection, offering protection from impacts to the top of the head.
• Type II head protection, offering protection from impacts to the top of the head as well as lateral protection
• Class G (General) head protection, designed to help reduce exposure to low-voltage conductors and proof tested at 2,200 volts (phase to ground).
• Class E (Electrical) head protection, designed to help reduce exposure to higher voltage conductors and proof tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground).
• Class C (Conductive) head protection, which is not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical hazards.
The SHIB also notes that accessories such as chinstraps, face shields, eye protection and hearing protection may also be considered to address specific job site and application hazards.
Considerations When Conducting a Hazard Assessment
While OSHA has determined that Type II, Class G safety helmets are the most appropriate type of head protection for its employees, OSHA recognizes that “based on their own Job Hazard Analysis, employers and workers may decide that another form of head protection is for them.”
Some important factors to keep in mind when conducting a Hazard Assessment include:
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.