Wearing Hard Hats and Other PPE
The Problem
Every year, workers are injured or killed on job sites due to not wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Head injuries in particular can be serious, and many could be prevented by wearing a hard hat. PPE, including hard hats, is your first line of defence against workplace hazards. Today, we’ll talk about the risks of not wearing PPE, the requirements under WorkSafe NZ, and how to make sure you’re properly protected on the job.
Identify the Hazards
- Falling Objects: Tools, debris, or materials falling from height causing serious head injuries.
- Impact Hazards: Walking into scaffolding or beams resulting in head trauma.
- Electrical Hazards: Contact with live wires or electrical equipment—particularly dangerous without the right PPE.
- Eye and Hand Injuries: Without safety glasses or gloves, workers are at risk from flying debris, chemicals, or cuts.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Wear Hard Hats at All Times:
- Ensure your hard hat fits snugly and is in good condition.
- Check for cracks, dents, or signs of impact before each use.
- Replace hard hats that are damaged or have been hit by a falling object.
Select the Right PPE for the Job:
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles for flying particles and chemical exposure.
- Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
- Gloves: Choose gloves suitable for the task, such as cut-resistant or chemical-resistant gloves.
- Foot Protection: Steel-toe boots to guard against falling or rolling objects.
Maintain PPE Correctly:
- Clean and store PPE in a dry, clean area.
- Avoid sharing PPE to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Replace PPE when damaged or past its service life.
Recognise When Additional PPE Is Required:
- High-risk tasks may need extra protection, such as face shields, respirators, or chemical-resistant clothing.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a job site last year, a worker wasn’t wearing a hard hat while walking near scaffolding. A wrench fell from the second level and struck him on the head, resulting in a serious concussion. This incident was preventable. A hard hat could have saved the worker from injury—PPE only works if you wear it.
Employee Responsibilities
- Always wear the required PPE for your role and area.
- Inspect PPE before each shift.
- Report damaged PPE immediately.
- Take responsibility for using PPE—it’s for your own safety.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide suitable PPE at no cost to workers.
- Train employees on correct use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.
- Replace worn or damaged PPE without delay.
- Enforce PPE use on all sites.
Discussion & Questions
- “What types of PPE are required for your tasks on this site?”
- “Have you seen or experienced an incident where PPE prevented an injury—or where the lack of it caused one?”
Encourage team members to raise concerns or ask about PPE for specific tasks.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to wearing our PPE at all times when required. Starting today, check your hard hat and other PPE before each shift. If you see a coworker not wearing the correct gear, speak up—looking out for each other is how we stay safe.
Wrap-Up
Wearing PPE might feel inconvenient, but it’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from serious injury. Thank you for taking safety seriously—your health and wellbeing depend on it.
Standards Overview
- WorkSafe New Zealand requires PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to provide appropriate PPE under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016.
- Hard hats must meet AS/NZS 1801 standards and be worn where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects or impact.
- Employers must ensure PPE is used correctly and maintained in good condition.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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