ARE HARD HATS REQUIRED TO BE WORN BY FORKLIFT OPERATORS?
The answer is yes and no. The hazard of each workplace will govern the choice of personal protective equipment used. It is the employer’s duty to determine if hard hats are required for his or her workplace. Here are some of the things that could place workers at risk: Physical hazards such as: – Falling, moving, or flying objects. – Heat or cold. – Moving equipment or parts. – Sharp objects. Forklift operators should wear a hard hat (helmet) whenever there is a danger of falling objects or bumping hazards such as: – Working below other workers. – Working around or under conveyor belts or machinery. – Working in areas with low ceilings, hanging objects, or moving equipment. – Working near exposed electrical conductor. Please remember that the overhead guard on most forklifts was not designed to withstand a full load impact. A full load impact may crush an operator. Please remember also that the overhead guard has gaps or spaces that will allow small items to enter the operators area. H
