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when are you most likely to bump your head when not needing to wear a hard hat?
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StewartFar  
#1 Posted : 02 March 2015 21:36:26(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
StewartFar
Hi, I am trying to create a list of activities when workers are most likely to bang their head or trip/fall, resulting in minor head bumps or abrasions to the top/side/back of their head. This will be activities where a hard hat is not required to be used. Some examples could be working in confinded places such as those duties as part of an electrician or plumber.
Why am I asking this? I have developed prototype head protection that is hidden within any hooded garment - offering similar protection to rugby headgear / bumpcap - but looking for real-life applications in the working environment. Any advice/input much appreciated. Stewart
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toe  
#2 Posted : 02 March 2015 23:12:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
toe
Motor vehicle mechanics - they are always banging their head of some part of the underside of the vehicle or the ramp legs, not really practical for wearing hard hats/bump caps but still they do get injured on occasions.

Note: Its only a small proportion of the day the mechanic will be under the vehicle, estimate between 10 - 15% of the day.
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Ian Bell  
#3 Posted : 03 March 2015 00:23:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell
People bump their heads when they fail to maintain separation between their head and the obstruction/object....
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RayRapp  
#4 Posted : 03 March 2015 08:12:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp
In my experience people tend to bump their heads when working close to a object - for example, when working in a confined area such as an electrical cupboard, scaffolding, ceiling, under a vehicle, etc. However, side impacts to the temple can be very dangerous as well, especially for those working at height who may fall even with a harness.

One of the reasons people hit their heads is because the peak on a hard hat restricts the upper vision and therefore some types of work demand a hard hat/bump cap where there is no peak, such as climbing helmet which scaffolders also use.
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grim72  
#5 Posted : 03 March 2015 08:22:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
grim72
Not that I have any personal experience but I imagine warehouse pickers run the risk when ducking down under racking to get things, that they may catch the back of their head when standing back upright?

Of course as with all these things, the first port of call would be to eradicate the risk before resorting to PPE.
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chris42  
#6 Posted : 03 March 2015 08:52:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42
As you an others noted all forms of confined space, I know I have hit my head a few times in an attic - so things like loft insulation.

However if I had to resort to PPE to control, I would want it to be visible, so I could see if people were wearing it (from a distance). I would therefore think it unlikely I would specify something hidden.

Chris
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firesafety101  
#7 Posted : 03 March 2015 08:59:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
I think it is Sods Law. Wear ypur hat and now problems, take it off an "BANG"
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firesafety101  
#8 Posted : 03 March 2015 09:00:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
Fat fingers syndrome, should read wear your hat and no problems, take it off and "BANG".
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PIKEMAN  
#9 Posted : 03 March 2015 10:35:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PIKEMAN
Sorry to rain on your parade, but unless you can meet the BS for head protection, you will struggle with this?
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Yossarian  
#10 Posted : 03 March 2015 12:02:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Yossarian
Using a motorised pogo stick in the coat cupboard whilst yodelling Rimsky-Korsakov. Is that the kind of real life scenario you were looking for?
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Steve e ashton  
#11 Posted : 03 March 2015 12:36:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Steve e ashton
"Using a motorised pogo stick in the coat cupboard whilst yodelling Rimsky-Korsakov. " :-)
Can you post the youtube link? Sounds like an epic fail to me!
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dan_ellis  
#12 Posted : 03 March 2015 13:38:59(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
dan_ellis
Kitchen Fitters & Plumbers... past experience
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frankc  
#13 Posted : 03 March 2015 13:45:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc
I met a chap who was instructed by his H&S Manager to keep his hard hat on at all times whilst working.

One of his tasks was painting skirting boards underneath prison bunk beds.
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peterL  
#14 Posted : 04 March 2015 09:02:48(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
peterL
Getting the shopping out of the boot of my car, in my experience!!!!!!

Pete,
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aland76  
#15 Posted : 04 March 2015 10:01:16(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
aland76
frankc wrote:
I met a chap who was instructed by his H&S Manager to keep his hard hat on at all times whilst working.

One of his tasks was painting skirting boards underneath prison bunk beds.


bending over a prison bunk bed, my head would be the last thing I'd be worried about protecting

Al
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