Written by Jake Oakey on January 11, 2023

Why are hard hats important?


Hard hats are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in many industries. They are designed to protect the head from falling objects, impact, and penetration, as well as from electrical hazards. Within this blog we will list the key reasons why hard hats are important as well as evidence of there benefits to health and safety.

Here are a few reasons why hard hats are so important:

  1. Head injuries can be severe and even fatal: The head is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, and injuries to the head can have serious consequences, including brain damage and death. Hard hats provide a critical layer of protection to the head, helping to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
  2. Falls and falling objects are common hazards on worksites: Many workplaces, such as construction sites, warehouses, and factories, present hazards from falling objects and falls. Hard hats are designed to protect the head from these hazards, helping to prevent injuries and fatalities.
  3. Electrical hazards are a concern in many industries: Hard hats are also designed to protect workers from electrical hazards. They are made with insulating materials that help to protect the head from electrical shock, which can be particularly dangerous in environments where there is a risk of electrical fires or explosions.
  4. Hard hats also can protect from other hazards: Hard hats also protect from sun, rain and other weather hazards, as well as to certain chemicals or extreme temperatures.
  5. Safety rules and regulations mandate hard hat use: Many safety regulations and industry standards require the use of hard hats on worksites, so by using hard hat, the workers are complying with the legal requirements and showing that the company take safety seriously.

Portwest PS54 helmet with coverall

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height are one of the main causes of workplace fatalities in the UK, and head protection, including safety helmets, can help to reduce the risk of serious injury or death from falls. The HSE also states that head injuries can be some of the most serious and debilitating injuries that workers can sustain, and that safety helmets can help to protect against these types of injuries.

It's important to note that safety helmets are just one aspect of the overall safety measures, compliance to safety regulations, training, risk assessment and management and good communication and coordination amongst the team are also important.

Overall, hard hats are an essential piece of PPE for workers in many industries, providing critical protection for the head from falling objects, impact, penetration, electrical hazards and other hazards. Wearing a hard hat can make a significant difference in preventing serious injury or death on the job.

It's important to ensure that all workers are properly trained on the proper use, care and maintenance of their hard hats, to ensure that the hat is in good working condition, the right type of hat for the job and is being worn properly.

Related Posts

OAKEYS Safety Ltd
Independently verified
4.89 store rating (237 reviews) | 4.85 product rating

Our Brands

3M
AWDis
BASE Protection Footwear
Beeswift
Bollé
Centurion Safety
Delta Plus Group
DUNLOP Protective Footwear
ELKA
FRUIT OF THE LOOM CLOTHING
Glovezilla
Honeywell
KASK
Kustom Kit
Leo Workwear
Lode Group
Moldex
MSA Safety
OAKLAND GROUP
Portwest
Predator Safety Gloves
PULSAR
QED
RESULT
Rock Fall Safety Footwear
Russell Clothing
Supertouch
Traff Tex - TPF Plastics
Traffi Glove
UVEX
Copyright © 2025 OAKEYS Safety Ltd
0330 175 7117
sales@oakeyssafety.co.uk
Registered in England and Wales no 14105295 | VAT registration number 411832526
Unit 2 – 4, Protection House, Albion Road, North Shield. Tyne & Wear, NE30 2RH
lockenvelopeusercartmenuchevron-down
Independently verified
237 reviews