Protecting your employees from workplace hazards isn’t just common sense. It’s the law. At EnviroSafetyProducts, we have what it takes to protect your workers and your business – including hard hats that meet ANSI Z89.1 standards. With a variety of economical safety hats to choose from, we’re your one-stop shop for protective headgear. We carry a wide array of colors, sizes and styles so you can find exactly what you need, so please, browse our extensive collection today.

OSHA and Safety Hard Hats

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employees to wear safety hard hats when there’s any potential for head injury. Whether it’s from possible impact, from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shocks or burns, employers must provide safety hats for employees who face head-related dangers in the workplace.

29 CFR 1926.100 also requires that safety hard hats meet the standards outlined by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI Z89.1-1969 and ANSI Z89.2-1971 cover both impact and penetration hazards and shock and burn standards. Some workplaces may have to use head protection that complies with ANSI Z89.1-1997, ANSI Z89.1-1986 or ANSI Z89.1-1986, as well.

What Occupations Usually Require Hard Hats?

Several occupations have inherent hazards that require the use of safety hats. Construction workers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers and many more types of workers may need to wear hard hats while on the job. Additionally, linemen, timber and log cutters, pipe fitters, welders and other employees may also need them.

What to Look for in a Safety Hard Hat for Your Workplace

OSHA says that safety hard hats should resist penetration by falling or otherwise moving objects, be water-resistant and slow-burning, be able to resist the shock of a blow and be accompanied by clear instructions that detail proper adjustment and replacement of the suspension and headband.

Hard hats should sit between one and 1.25 inches away from the wearer’s head in order to provide maximum shock absorption. That space is also vital for providing good ventilation.

If your employees need to wear other PPE, such as magnifying safety glasses, dust mask respirators or two-way radio headsets, you’ll have to make sure that the safety hard hats you order won’t interfere with their safety.

Classes of Hard Hats

Hard hats are divided into three categories: Class A, Class B and Class C. Class A safety hard hats can provide both impact resistance and protect the wearer from up to 2,200 volts of electricity. Class B safety hard hats protect the wearer against up to 20,000 volts of electricity while providing protection against impact and penetration from moving objects. Class C hard hats provide protection against moving objects, but not against electrical hazards.

Hard Hats: Implementing a Safety Program

Before your employees can enter a potentially hazardous area, they’ll need to don a safety hard hat. As an employer, you’re responsible for providing your employees with the appropriate personal protective equipment, adequate training so they can use it properly, and enforcing your own safety standards. Failure to do any of these things may result in your business being out of compliance with OSHA standards.