The construction industry provides a significant source of employment in Virginia. Construction work is constant and the pay is relatively good. That being said, the construction industry is one of the most hazardous for workers. Every year, thousands of construction workers in Virginia are injured on the job.
The importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) cannot be overstated in the construction sector. One of the most notable parts of PPE is hardhats. Here’s why every construction worker should have one.
Protection from serious head injuries
The most obvious reason that construction workers should have hard hats is for head protection. Hard hats can protect a worker if they fall from a height. They can also take the brunt of the blow should an object fall from a scaffolding platform.
While hard hats cannot guarantee a head injury won’t be sustained, workers are significantly less likely to suffer severe injuries if they are wearing one.
Protection from the elements
An often overlooked safety aspect of hard hats is the protection they provide from the elements. By lining a hard hat with warm materials, workers can protect themselves when working outside in cold temperatures. At the same time, during the summer, hard hats offer much needed protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Construction workers can face a heightened risk of skin cancer due to constant exposure to UV rays during the summer months.
Hard hats aren’t just recommended for construction workers, employers are legally obliged to provide them. If you have suffered a work-related injury, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Seek legal guidance to explore your options in more detail.
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