The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that for an employee working in an area where there is potential injury to the head from falling objects, head protection must be worn (1910.135), complying with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, Z89.1 (2009, 2003, or 1997).
An employer who values employees and understands good business practices doesn’t need an OSHA standard to recognize when head protection is necessary. With or without compliance requirements, a good employer will conduct an effective risk assessment to identify the hazards to which employees are exposed and implement protective measures to ensure employee safety.