A Guide to Choosing the Right Safety Helmet for Your Job

The consensus is that safety helmets are necessary for almost all workplaces. In most cases, no matter the industry, using the right head protection is mandatory. Wearing the correct head protection gear can significantly reduce workplace fatalities and grievous injuries to your workers. This is especially true in manual labor, where workers deal with heavy machinery and moving equipment every day.

As an employer, it is your legal obligation to equip your workers with the proper safety equipment. Safety helmets, hard hats, hard hats with visors, and other accessories are designed to offer better protection and a comfortable working experience for your employees. Construction, manufacturing, mining, chemical industry, shipping, and power generation are some common workplaces that require their employees to wear head protection throughout their shifts.

But how does one ensure the appropriate head protection gear for their employees? What are the considerations in the selection process? We have discussed those points below.

Caco America offers a wide selection of GE-branded head protection PPE workwear for every job. Check them out here!

How to Choose the Right Safety Helmet?

 

There are many different types and styles of safety helmets available on the market today. You will need to decide what type of helmet will be best for your job and the hazards that will be present. Some of the factors you should consider when purchasing a helmet include: the kind of job you are doing, the materials the helmet is made of, and any special features the helmet may have.

Let us look at some of the important factors that help you choose the right safety helmet –

1. Common Hazards in Your Workplace

 

Falling objects, slippery floors, and chemical spills are some common hazards that can occur in a workplace. It is important to consider these risks your employees face in the workplace to choose the right safety helmet for them. For example, if you have workers routinely exposed to falling objects, a hard hat is ideal. Similarly, slippery surfaces, or hazardous chemical spills, require a specific kind of head protection. You will need to gauge the protection level of different head protection gear before choosing the right one.

Depending on the type of job your business does, you may also need to purchase other safety gear, such as hard hat visors, safety glasses, and face shields. It is important to have a comprehensive safety plan in place, and by including safety helmets and other essential gear in this plan, you can help protect your employees from serious injury or death.

2. Appropriate Material and Design

 

In addition to considering the hazards your employees will face, it is also important to consider the material and design of the safety helmet.

Depending on the type of job you are doing, you may need to purchase a different type of safety helmet for floor workers, than your employees who work in an office setting. For example, construction workers may wear a hard hat with a face shield, while office workers may only need a standard safety helmet.

Safety Helmets basically have 3 parts –

The outer cover – mostly made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Fiber glass are becoming popular these days, owing to their flexibility and light weight.

The harness or suspension system – made of nylon or polyethylene, this adjustable suspension system ensures a snug fit to your head.

The headband or Chin strap – Made of woven nylon or other synthetic fibers, the chin strap secures the helmet firmly to your head.

The GE-branded safety helmets from Caco America are lightweight, comfortable, and low-profile. The patented Koroyd Technology absorbs impact better than traditional helmets. The helmets are lighter and smaller, providing better protection and resulting in less fatigue during long shifts.

3. Better Ventilation & Moisture Wicking

 

Safety helmets are essential for workers exposed to hot environments and should provide adequate airflow to prevent heat exhaustion. The harness should offer better airflow to prevent sweating and uncomfortable situations for the wearer. The inner lining should be breathable, absorbing moisture and keeping the wearer cool and dry.

Check out our range of safety helmets with Cross Ventilation System that offers advanced breathability!

4. Special Features & Accessories to Make Your Job Easier

 

While not every helmet offers special features, some helmets come with features that make the job easier. For example, some helmets have a face shield that helps protect the wearer from hazardous materials or flying objects. Other helmets have special ventilation systems that help prevent heat exhaustion or moisture build-up.

A few of the special features available with Caco America’s GE-branded safety helmets are –

• Clip for headband flashlights or goggles
• I.D. Card slot
• Cap mounted earmuff fitting slots
• Visor clip

Accessories you can add to your helmet –

• Eye Shield
• Full Visor Shield
• TPR Vents Covers Air-flow Control
• Sun Brim
• Reflective Stickers
• Cap Mounted Earmuffs
• Interior Adjustable Padding
• Adjustable Chin Straps

Unless you are specifically exempted from wearing a head protection, it is always a good idea to wear one in any workplace. In today’s world, so many different types of safety helmets are available that it is difficult to pick the right one. But the primary selection criteria should be a head protection gear that protects your head from the common hazards in your workplace.

How to Care for Your Safety Helmet?

 

Just like any other piece of equipment, your safety helmets need to be properly maintained to function properly. Here are a few tips on how to care for your safety helmet:

1) Never store your safety helmet in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

2) Always clean your safety helmet with mild soap and water.

3) Never use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean your safety helmet.

4) Inspect your helmet regularly for any damage or wear and tear. If you notice any damage, replace the helmet immediately.

Are You Wearing the Right Safety Helmet?

 

Wearing the right head protection is mandatory in most workplaces and employers are equipping their workers with the right protective headgear. There is ample support & resources available to ensure that you are using the right safety helmet or hard hat, but if you have any questions, you should always contact the manufacturer or your floor safety officer for further advice

Caco America is here to help!

Caco America’s GE-branded safety helmets are the most preferred for use in a wide range of industrial applications. Whether you’re a factory worker, a construction worker, or any other professional in need of the best head protection, we can help! Our team is available to answer all your questions and assist you in selecting the best safety helmet for you and your employees.