Federal rules require employers to ensure every employee wears protective head gear when working in an area where there is a possibility for head injury. Employees exposed to the possibility of electrical shock must wear hardhats made of non-conductive material. Hardhats are necessary when working on construction, warehousing, transportation and other jobs. They cover the head with a suspended cradle that holds the hat about an inch and a quarter from the head to cushion it from blows by falling objects or collisions.
Select hard hats according to types and classes:
1. Class A hardhats protect from falling objects and low voltage electrical hazards. Samples are proof-tested to withstand a 2,200 volt charge.
2. Class B hardhats reduce the impact of head blows and are rated for high voltage--up to 20,000 volts.
3. Class C safety hats offer no electrical protection, but do reduce the impact of blows to the head.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy compliant hardhats
Ensure the hardhats you order have American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval. Check the stamping inside the hat for approval, type and class rating.
I recommend: IndustrialSavings.com has ANSI compliant hard hats and for sale, or go to
TuffRhino.com to view custom safety hats.
Keep extra hardhats and accessories
Purchase a variety of custom hard hats so that employees can pick one they like. Order extras to have on hand for visitors or for replacements. Be sure to buy accessories like hardhat liners, reflectors and other hardhat safety gear.
I recommend: DiscountSafetyGear.com for price and selection, plus prompt shipping.
Hardhats4URSafety for their wide selection of colors and styles. For accessories go to
ABCSafetyGlasses.com.
Provide required training
Train your employees on the use, care and replacement of their hats and accessories.
I recommend: The training and assessment guide at
Hardhats4URSafety.com or get free technical support at
LabSafety.com or by calling them toll-free: 800-356-2501 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday).
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- For visibility and cold weather comfort, get lights that attach to the outside of hardhats and liners for keeping the head and ears warm.
The official source of Hard Hats is the Hard Hats page at Business.com
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