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HEAD SAFETYTOOLBOX TALK HANDOUT
BENEFITS
Workers’ heads are vulnerable to various kinds of injuries on the job. For example, workers’ heads can bump into or be struck by materials, tools or equipment, resulting in injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious concussions and even fatal brain injuries. So it’s important that workers understand the hazards that pose a risk to their head and learn how to protect them.
HOW TO USE THE TOOL
Adapt this handout for your OHS program, operations and the safety headwear requirements in the OHS laws in your jurisdiction. Give it to workers as part of a safety talk to educate them on the hazards that can injure their heads and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
IHSA Head Protection Safety Talk
Spot the Safety Violation: Improper Use of PPE Renders It Ineffective
HEAD SAFETYTOOLBOX TALK HANDOUT
In Jan. 2011, a 70-lb metal beam fellfrom the seventh storey of a condominiumdevelopment and struck a worker on the head,face and torso. He was taken to the hospitalin serious condition but survived. Policecredited the worker’s hard hat with saving his life.
In contrast, a 58-year-old man arrived at a construction project to deliver wallboard. He parked his truck and stepped from the vehicle when he was hit by a one-pound tape measure, which had slipped off the belt of a construction worker at the top of the tower under construction. The man, who wasn’t wearing a hardhat at the time, was struck in the head and knocked unconscious. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.
DANGERS TO YOUR HEAD
A hard hat can protect you from cuts, scrapesand bruises. It can protect you from fallingobjects, which can cause serious damage to thehead and spine. It can prevent electric shock andlimit your exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
IDENTIFY CONTROLS
Keep these points in mind to ensure you get the best use out of your hard hat:
• Hard hats that are poorly maintained orimproperly used can fail. It is important thatyou follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use the correct type of hard hat for the job.The hard hat should be labeled with the CSAor ANSI Type and Class of protection.
• Approved hard hats protect against impactand penetration. Type I hard hats protect onlythe top of the head; Type II hard hats protectboth the top and the sides of the head.
• A Class E hard hat is required for constructionand utility projects. It provides electricalprotection up to 20,000 volts.
• Inspect your hard hat every day before youuse it.
• Cleanyour hard hat using only soaps or cleaningagents as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never wear a baseball cap under your hardhat.
• A hard hat should normally be worn facingforward. It may be worn backwards only if ithas a reverse orientation mark.
•Never paint a hard hat.
• Never make holes in a hard hat.
• Never store your hard hat in the rear windowof your car—intense sunlight can make it agemore quickly.
• Never spray your hard hat with insectrepellant—it can damage the material.
• Hard hats aren’t made to last forever.Find out the useful life of your hard hat bycontacting the manufacturer or reading themanufacturer’s instructions.
DEMONSTRATE
Inspect your hard hats:
• Check the shell for cracks, dents, deep cuts orgouges. If the surface appears dull or chalkyrather than shiny, the hard hat may havebecome brittle.
• Check the suspension for cracks or tears. Makesure straps aren’t twisted, cut or frayed.
• If you find any signs of damage ordegradation, remove the hard hat from serviceimmediately.
This tool and hundreds more available in the OHS Toolbox at . Templates and tools from OHS Insider are provided for members of our service. Members may use this document as is or as a starting point to customize their own documents. OHS Insider assumes no responsibility for the effectiveness or legality of any of its online templates or tools. Always consult your legal counsel and management before implementing any new policies or procedures