Posted By Steve T. I have been asked for advice on whether roof workers working on a roof with no one working above them, should wear a hard hat. They have hats nearby on the upper scaffold level and wear them when they go down to lower levels as their is work going on below and materials being moved around.The Manager believes they should wear them at all times. The risk assessments conflict when it comes to wearing the hard hats on the roof. Your thoughts would be much appreciated

Posted By holmezy Steve, if there is no risk of anything dropping on their heads, or nowhere for them to seriously bump their heads, then why wear them? Unless there is a blanket rule on site then it doesnt seem to me that they are required. Unless......How big are the pigeons in the area? Holmezy

Posted By Tabs I agree with Holmzey and have allowed the same local rule before now. Just add the proviso of zero tolerance of "forgetting" to don them when descending. One case = withdrawal of concession.

Posted By Phil H The problem will be when one of the workers forgets to put his/her hat on when they go down, or a you know with human behaviour,'just nipping down for a minute'scenario.

Posted By Phil H A bump cap is just that - limited protection to the head from minor bumps such as those received by mecahnics under vehicles etc.The are not suitable for building sites as they would not give suitable protection to falling objects such as bricks.WAHR state that employers will take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent any person being struck by any falling material or object so you can appreciate last line of defence may be a suitable hard hat.

Posted By Jeff Manion There is a potential for sun burn - I have limited hair (nearly bald), red hair (where it remains), very light (pale white) skin and burn easily. Have from the USA a "Gelcool Systems Incorporated" thing that goes in freezer and is placed in webbing underneath protective outer shell. It is good for hot days - we are not selling or distibuting this, but it may be an option. We have been lucky to trial it. They do provide a hot pack for cold temperatures. www.gelcool.com

Posted By willhiem well it depends on which god!! if its a false god it might just save them!! i've had this problem before, it never works a zero tolerance is the only way to get over it on a site where others are working, because there'll always be one person who 'forgets' etc. Plus if its a site requirement then why should they get away with it, then next its their high viz. i let it slide one day, then the next when i saw one without high viz, so i just said they had to wear everything or else go home, i didnt care. though i know during the summer i'd be more laid back because it does get very hot underthere, i'd be interested in those cooling packs. because it being too warm is always the favourite excuse, i think its nearly the season for it to be used again!!

Posted By Lilian McCartney If they need hats for further down the scaffold or at ground level etc, where are the keeping them in the meantime? Perhaps accessing/egressing roof they are the only ones and then there would be anyone to drop anything on them? A bit toungue in cheek (and as its Friday) a boat was once sunk when it was hit by a cow. I believe it had panciked on a planr and they'd chucked it out - though it might be one of those stories!! have a good weeknd all Lilian

Posted By patrick carr you should try getting any of the lads at our sites, to keep their hard hats and hi-vis on in the summer, i am stuck in the middle as i am a union safety rep.

Posted By Phil What if they trip and hit their head or go through the roof. Hard hats are not only for falling objects.

Posted By Dave Merchant "What if they trip and hit their head or go through the roof.." The problem is that in the eye of the law, they only serve two purposes: protection against falling objects and protection against impact with an obstruction at head height. They are not designed or intended to protect during a fall. The helmets used by industrial climbers, rope access workers etc are entirely different in design, and comply with different standards. These *are* designed to work during a fall, but because of their use it becomes an urban myth that anyone working at height must have to wear a helmet. It's not true, and even when head protection is required it's important to work out which type is needed. A 'site hat' is useless during a fall, but equally a climbing helmet can be useless on a construction site (they all fail the EN397 tests because of their extra-strong chin straps).