I DON’T LIKE TO WEAR MY HARD HAT

 

I DON’T LIKE TO WEAR MY HARD HAT

Although there is no valid defense for rejecting the idea of wearing protective head gear, objections do exist, including complaints of head gear being too heavy or causing headaches. Here are some answers to common objections to wearing safety head gear.

Headaches -This can be an actual problem rather than an imaginary one. Almost always, the cause is improper adjustment of the suspension system or nape strap. Loosening the size adjustment one notch can sometimes alleviate the problem.

Replacing a worn out suspension or perspiration pad helps the hard hat rest more comfortably on the brow. Sometimes workers forget that their hair continues to grow after a comfortable adjustment. Hair trimming or readjustment of suspension can eliminate the headachy feeling.

Too Heavy - Most head gear weighs little more than a dress hat. Our hard hats are about 13 ounces in weight.

Too Cold - Approved helmet liners are available for winter use.

Too Hot - Actually, all types of head covering are cooler than an unprotected head. In laboratory tests, baseball type caps were tested with several hard hats and bump caps. An outside temperature of 100°F was created by photoflood lamps. Inside temperatures of the baseball caps was found to be 2°F cooler than the outside temperature. Inside the hard hats, temperatures were 5°F to 12°F cooler. The reflectivity of the shell and ventilation through the suspension give better thermal protection.

Despite these ready answers, objections to the wearing of hard hats will continue. Quite often the reason is that the objectors have not been properly informed of the value of protecting their heads.

Employees are not permitted to remove the suspension system for any reason. When the suspension system is removed the hardhat is useless. Ball caps must not be worn between the suspension system and the head, as the impact protection of the hard hat may be compromised.