Hard Hat Awareness Week: Helping you check your head protection

According to a hard hat safety survey carried out by Headway (the brain injury association) and safety manufacturer Centurion, twenty per cent of all fatal and non-fatal injuries in the UK are head-related, yet head protection accounts for only three per cent of personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases.

At Arco Professional Safety Services, we support employers in addressing this gap by providing practical safety training on the correct selection, fitting, use and maintenance of safety helmets, alongside safety consultancy to help ensure hard hats remain compliant and suitable for the working environment. Through this combination of expert guidance and workforce education, we help organisations strengthen their approach to head protection.

 

Delivering training

Any kind of head injury can lead to debilitating and long-term health issues, so ensuring that head protection is worn and cared for correctly is critical in preventing life changing injuries. At Arco Professional Safety Services, we can deliver training that helps teams understand how to wear helmets correctly, inspect them for damage, and avoid practices that can compromise protection, such as applying unsuitable decals or labels. We also provide consultancy services to review whether hard hats are being managed in line with relevant standards and manufacturer guidance, helping employers maintain compliance and reduce risk.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing hard hats every five years regardless of external appearance. However, excessive wear and tear in extreme environments such as exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, or sunlight can significantly shorten the product's life span. Through our consultancy services, we can help organisations assess these risks, review replacement practices, and determine whether head protection remains compliant for the conditions in which it is used.

Workers should also consider the daily hazards they face in the workplace. The European Standard for industrial safety helmets is EN 397, which provides shock absorption, penetration resistance and protection against impact. An EN 397 helmet is most suitable for workers on the ground, while those working at height should look for additional protection, opting for an EN 12492 helmet. At Arco Professional Safety Services, we can advise employers on selecting the appropriate standard for their tasks and environments, helping them ensure their hard hats are fit for purpose and compliant.

Expert comment from those supporting Hard Hat Awareness Week

Alex Turgoose, PPE Product and Procurement Manager at Arco, says: "We are passionate about raising awareness of the correct use of safety equipment. Head injuries are a major problem in the workplace. When selecting head protection, take it seriously, and consider the impact of incorrect choices."

Chris Tidy, Technical and Training Specialist at Centurion Safety Products, says: "We hope that Hard Hat Awareness Week will initiate a shift in attitudes towards hard hat safety and the wider issue of brain health."

Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, says: "Brain injury is more common than you think, and its impact can be life-changing for the injured person, their partner, family members and friends. Ensuring your head protection is worn and cared for correctly is key to remaining safe."