Head Protection

We offer a wide range of PPE head protection, including bump caps and safety helmets, all CE-approved to the relevant European Safety standards. The head protection within the Protec Direct range is designed so that it can be used alongside products in our Eye & Face Protection PPE range, for added safety and protection.

Head Protection & Safety Helmets with Protec Direct

Head protection is an essential part of personal protective equipment (PPE) which helps to prevent injuries on the job. It is important for employers to provide employees with the appropriate head protection for any hazardous working environment. Head PPE can include safety helmets, hard hats, and bump caps, each designed for specific conditions and situations. Employers must ensure that their employees are adequately educated on the various types of headgear available and how to correctly use them.

How do I know if I need a safety helmet?

In some workplaces, the need for safety helmets will be indicated by signs across the site. However, deciding whether you'll need a safety helmet or hard hat is generally common sense - you should always wear a safety helmet if there is any potential for a head injury, specifically due to falls or impacts with objects. If in doubt, refer to your workplace's risk assessment documents.

What types of PPE head protection are available?

The most popular forms of PPE head protection include hard hats, safety helmets and bump caps, all designed to absorb the impact of falling debris. These different designs offer varying levels of protection, sometimes as a trade-off for comfort.

How do I choose the right PPE head protection for me?

When evaluating different types of PPE head protection, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost is knowing what type of hazards you may be exposed to while on the job. Different styles and materials of helmets or hard hats provide varying levels of protection against potential hazards like falling objects, electrical shock or impact from tools or machinery. Additionally, it's important to choose a helmet that provides ample coverage and fits correctly - ideally with adjustable straps for a secure fit so it won't move around during use. Bump caps offer the lowest level of protection, while fitted safety helmets are ideal in high-risk environments.

What are the dangers of not wearing a safety helmet?

The lack of protection when not wearing a safety helmet is especially dangerous in the workplace - without one, employees may face falling debris, flying objects, electrical hazards and more. Even low-speed accidents can cause serious - even potentially fatal - damage to the head if it isn't properly protected by a helmet. In addition to the physical dangers, an employer's failure to enforce proper safety practices generally makes them liable for any resulting injuries, such as those sustained by employees who are not wearing a helmet.

What should I do if my safety helmet is damaged?

If your safety helmet is damaged in any way, even just superficially, it must be replaced. Even the slightest damage to protective headwear means that it is no longer fit for purpose and cannot provide the level of protection that it was designed to offer.

What is the difference between a bump cap and a safety helmet?

A bump cap is designed for minor head protection against bumps and scrapes in low-risk industrial environments. The caps have a hard outer-shell made from plastic or fibreglass with a liner of foam padding on the inside. They do not provide substantial resistance against falling objects, however, and are best used in situations where there is minimal risk of this occurring.

Safety helmets, on the other hand, offer much more comprehensive protection than bump caps due to their additional features. These often include a chin strap to keep the helmet securely in place, as well as adjustable straps to ensure a good fit around the head and neck area.

What do safety helmet colours mean?

White helmets are generally worn by site managers, foremen, engineers, supervisors and often by visitors. Yellow safety helmets are typically used by general labourers, brown helmets are generally worn by those completing tasks involving high levels of heat (welding, soldering, etc.) and green helmets are given to safety inspectors and new or probationary workers.

What's the difference between a hard hat and a safety helmet?

Hard hats are designed to protect workers from falling objects while working in construction or industrial settings. Made of thick plastic, they are designed to absorb the force of an impact, allowing the worker to remain safe when debris falls from above.

Safety helmets, on the other hand, feature a foam liner that cushions against impacts and absorb energy more efficiently than hard hats do. Safety helmets also typically come with adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit against the head - this is important as it helps keep them in place during an accident or fall.