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Posted By Clare Brass
I would appreciate any help on this!
We have recently brought in bump caps as compulsory PPE, and some of the staff are complaining of the caps itching, and with the summer coming up, they find them very hot too.
Where do we find the balance between being understanding and sticking to our guns? We need to have the protection against cuts and scrapes (we pick exhausts and cats), but if we can't seek a comfortable solution during these teething problems, the policy will fail before its even started!
Any suggestions?
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Posted By Fornhelper
Hi Clare,
Have you tried the 'baseball' type of bump hats...personally I found these a lot more comfortable than the standard 'hard hat' type....and when worn 'back to front' were ideal for stopping dirt and debris from falling down your back !!!
Stevie
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Posted By Ron Young
There is no balance between being understanding and sticking to your guns. As I read your posting, you have identified a need for head protection based on the number of accidents you are having. The work practices cannot be changed and no other means are available to protect your staff. Publish a list of the accidents you've had as a result of not wearing bump caps and the amount of time lost through injury and investigation. Get your senior management team to back the requirement to wear PPE and brief supervisers on their H&S responsibilities to enforce safety practices. Inform staff of their H&S responsibilities under S7, 8 of HASAW and Reg 10 of the PPE regs to look after themselves, follow H&S instructions and wear supplied PPE. Make non wearing a discplinary offence if they do not take the advice given
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Posted By Eric PD
i agree with forn, the baseball caps are grabbed by our guys. They have even re coated some with material from the haberdashery, some even seem refined enough to use burberry material. Plus they wear them all day , backwards or forwards.
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Posted By Adam Jackson
Clare, just to clarify, I read 'bump caps' as always meaning the baseball style caps rather than hard hats, is it the baseball ones you're referring to.
Ron is right in his comments, although I'd perhaps lay off beating them over the head with a big "the regs say thou shalt do it" stick. Personally, I'd go through the risk assessment with them explaining what the risk is and what the bump cap is for, asking if they can suggest any alternative, and assuming they can't, explaining that as they have seen, the risk is there and the company cannot let them work without protection, no matter how uncomfortable the hats are. If they can't come up with any alternatives, tell them that you (the company) has no choice to enforce their use. And then when someone doesn't wear it for the first time make sure the company does act or it will fall apart within days.
On that approach you've explained the thought process to them, sought their suggestions for alternatives, then if there are none, gently explained why you are doing it and that it is not optional. Personally, I think you can do that without listing legal bumpf which just puts barriers up.
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Posted By Martin J Morley
Agreed, if a risk assessment finally identifies a need for PPE, then it must be worn.
It could just be a 'maintenance' problem - have the sweat-bands been regularly cleaned or replaced?
OR - how much did you involve the staff in the risk assessment and choice of PPE?
What individual choice did staff have, or was it a 'one size, one style fits all' decision?
The guidance says
"Those who do the job are usually best placed to know what is involved, and they should be consulted."
"The aim should always be to choose PPE which will give minimum discomfort to the wearer, as uncomfortable equipment is unlikely to be worn properly"
If the staff feel they were not given enough opportunities to be involved, then it should not be a surprise to find them unhappy with their lot.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Stick to your guns Clare - usual gripes and moans when new PPE or revised safe systems of work are put in place. I'm sure it'll soon settle if you don't budge. There was another guy lately who suggested you should sit them in a corner and give them lines...............
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Posted By Bill Elliott
As a slight aside to this thread - I was always of the opinion that ppe headgear should ONLY be worn in the manner for which it was designed ie with the peak at the front. This may be an "urban myth" and not true, but I am sure someone will be along to confirm this one way or t'other.
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Posted By Merv Newman
I keep a baseball type bump cap in the car (free sample from supplier) and wear it when it rains. Peak does mean I have to lift my head a bit to see where I am going. No way am I going to wear it back to front ! (I always think that that cuts your IQ by about 50 points. Wear it sideways and you lose 75 points. For those that have that many to start with)
But I can't see much of a safety problem for those who do.
I can see you picking exhausts, but I can't get rid of this image of a load of tabbies up in the racks.
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Posted By chris duncan
I always discourage the wearing of caps/helmets back to front the peak affords good protection in deflecting falling objects,(thats why it's there) could be the difference between a broken nose! Plus with the ever increasing compo culture turning a blind eye to incorrectly worn ppe is leaving yourself wide open to "the duty of care" issue and a heap of paper work!!
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