The construction industry provides a vital source of employment for people across Minnesota. Generally, workers go about their day without running into too much trouble. Unfortunately, there are occasions where dangerous situations arise, especially in the building sector.
Construction work is widely regarded as one of the most hazardous forms of employment, with many employees suffering fatal injuries every year. As a result, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is of the utmost importance.
While every aspect of protective equipment is crucial, perhaps the most important piece of equipment is hard hats. Hard hats protect workers from falling objects and a host of other hazards. It is worth taking a closer look at how exactly hard hats function.
Protection from impact
The most obvious form of protection that hard hats provide is protection from falling objects. The hard shell comprising the hard hat means that the skull does not have to take on the full force of an impact.
Surprising features
This often comes as a surprise, but hard hats offer more than just protection from impacts. Workers in the construction sector are often exposed to hazardous liquids and chemicals. If these come into contact with the eyes or skin, lasting damage can occur. A hard hat offers protection from this. Hard hats with a brim often manage to keep spilled liquids and chemicals out of contact with the skin and away from the eyes.
Hard hats are generally constructed from materials that do not conduct electricity. Many of the tools on-site will be powered electrically, which means there is a risk of electrocution. Wearing a hard hat may just be enough to prevent an electrocution accident from being fatal.
Workers in the construction field have a right to work in an environment that is as safe as possible. If you have been injured on the job, have a closer look at your legal options.
