Without doubt, heavy metal fabrication plants are high-hazard work areas. From steel beams moving overhead to welding operations throwing chips and slag to excessive noise and heat, workers face numerous hazards to the head. Head injuries range from bumps, burns and cuts to concussions and even severe trauma which can result in death, and despite safety standards, they remain far too common in the workplace. In fact, head injuries accounted for more than 73,000 of the 1.1 million workplace injuries requiring at least one day away from work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Any level of head injury suffered on the job can cause significant expense to the worker and the employer alike.
Protecting workers from the neck up is exceptionally important to maintaining a healthy, productive and profitable workforce. This article looks at advances in personal protective equipment for the head and face as well as considerations for effective combination use and overall comfort. By understanding the evolving landscape of head protection offerings, safety managers can outfit the workforce with the most effective choices to improve compliance, reduce incidents and increase overall performance.