There are many different measures which should be taken into consideration to avoid risks associated with collapsing structures, falling objects (debris, bricks, dropped tools) and flying objects (shards of wood and metal, for instance), and the risk of people accidentally hitting their heads on items such as exposed timbers and low scaffolding. Below is the regulation surrounding head protection in the UK when working in construction.
- Head protection should protect the head against risk of injury, should fit properly after any necessary adjustment and should be suitable for the work or activity carried out by the wearer.
- It should be available free to employees regardless of whether they will be exposed to a risk of head injury. (Self-employed persons must provide their own head protection in exactly the same circumstances.)
It should be worn by people who visit the site as part of the works, such as surveyors and architects. Other visitors who don’t work on site, such as delivery drivers, don’t have to wear head protection but, under the Health and Safety at Work Act, all visitors should wear head protection if there is a foreseeable risk of head injury. - Employers and those in control of others have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that head protection is worn where there is a risk of head injury.
Information courtesy of Health and Safety at work