National Work Zone Awareness Week: Head Protection

National Work Zone Awareness Week: Head Protection

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring weeklong event  held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. 

At Tozuda, we believe in protecting people everywhere at work, as well as at play. This week a large number of companies, organizations, and people are supporting this important day! 

The key message of the week is for drivers to use extra caution while driving through work zones.

One of the most important things that drivers can do to keep themselves and others safe in work zones is to drive carefully. Head injuries can be the most common type of injury in work zone incidents, and can be fatal for the driver and the worker. 

Highway workers should always wear a hard hat as it can help to protect your head from injury if you are involved in an incident. There are other hazards whilst highway working to consider e.g., loose gravel/stones flung up by passing vehicles, slips, trips and falls from the same level and working near road machinery, including excavators. 

Hard hats are normally required for all workers in work zones. When choosing a hard hat, make sure that it fits properly and is comfortable to wear. The hard hat should also be ANSI-approved, which means that it meets the safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute.

In addition to wearing a hard hat, there are other things that drivers can do to stay safe in work zones:

• Slow down and obey the posted speed limit
• Be prepared to stop
• Pay attention to signs and signals
• Do not tailgate
• Do not change lanes in a work zone
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Use caution when merging into or exiting a work zone
• Be patient

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe in work zones.

 

For Workers, How to Choose the Right Hard Hat?

When choosing a hard hat, there are a few things you need to consider:

• The type of work you will be doing
• The environment you will be working in
• Your personal preferences

Also insist that it has an Impact Indicator powered by Tozuda to help you identify if your hard hat may have received a significant impact that can change its structural integrity.

If you are working in a construction zone, you will need a hard hat that is designed for that type of work and will protect you from the possible hazards. If you are working in a hot environment, you will need a hard hat that will help keep you cool. If your personal preference is the design, then please make sure it also gives you the protection level you require.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for a hard hat. When you are shopping, be sure to try on several different hard hats to find one that fits well and is comfortable to wear. And be sure to check out tozuda.com to get a Head Impact Indicator to attach to your hard hat! 

How to Wear a Hard Hat

Once you have chosen a hard hat, it is important to wear it properly. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure the hard hat fits snugly but comfortably
• The hard hat should sit level on your head
• The chinstrap should be snug but not too tight
• The hard hat should not be tilted forward or backwards
• The hard hat should not be worn with a hat or other head covering

 

How to Care for a Hard Hat

Hard hats should be inspected regularly for damage. If you see any damage, the hard hat should be replaced. Hard hats should also be cleaned regularly. To clean a hard hat, use a mild soap and water solution. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Conclusion

Head protection is an important part of staying safe in work zones. By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe.

 

Author:  Christopher Tidy, Head Safety Expert and Founder of #hardhatawarenessweek