Hard hats can seriously protect workers from deadly injuries. According to a study, hard hats reduced the likelihood of severe brain injuries by 95%. They also reduced the possibility of skull fractures by up to 90%.
Whether your employees work in a warehouse, construction yard or railroad, hard hats can be a major line of defense against falls and falling objects. Knowing the difference between hard hats can help you make sure that your workers are using the best protection.
What are the 3 classes of hard hats?
Generally, hard hats are divided into two types. Type I hard hats are specifically made to protect a person from falling objects. These are usually used at construction sites and places of high elevation. On the other hand, Type II hard hats offer protection against lateral impact, or impacts that occur on the side, front, or back of the head.
Within types of hard hats are classes. A hard hat’s class describes how much it can withstand shock in addition to impact. Depending on a worker’s environment, an appropriate class of hard hat can mean the difference between safety and serious danger. The most common hard hat classes include the following:
- Class G — Class G hard hats are the most commonly used hard hats and are made for general use. They can protect a person from electrical shocks up to 2,200 volts. Class G hard hats are generally used to protect a worker from impacts from above or the side.
- Class E — Class E hard hats are known as electrical hard hats and are approved for use in high-electrical areas. They can protect workers from electrical shocks up to 20,000 volts. These are ideal for electrical workers and construction workers who are working around live wires.
- Class C — Class C hard hats are known as conductive hard hats and do not provide protection against electrical hazards. However, they do protect from impact hazards and often include built-in vents to help keep workers cool. Employees who wear them often work in hot environments such as factories, warehouses and construction sites.
Work-Fit can help you protect your employees
Our team of experts at Work-Fit can offer you on-site training and programming to help your workers avoid injury at all costs. Contact our team today for more information about our services or to learn how we can help keep your employees safe at work.
