#Helmet Requirement
Helmet Requirement
On construction sites, there is always a risk that falling or toppling objects can cause injuries. A construction helmet can protect against dangerous head injuries and thus save lives in an emergency. In this article, we answer the most important questions: Is there a helmet requirement on construction sites? Who must wear a helmet on a construction site? Are there exceptions to the helmet requirement?
Helmet Requirement on the Construction Site – Definition
The legislator does not prescribe a general helmet requirement. Instead, it is up to the employer's discretion whether safety helmets must be worn on a construction site. The employer bases this decision on §§4 and 5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which require him to identify potential hazards on the construction site and implement appropriate protective measures. Additional guidance for assessing potential hazards with respect to the helmet requirement is provided by the DGUV Rules for the Use of Head Protection.
If the employer concludes that a helmet requirement is necessary (which is the case on most construction sites), he must provide all employees with a construction helmet free of charge. According to §15 Section 2 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employees are obligated to wear the head protection. Additionally, the employer must provide instruction on the correct use and care of the safety helmets at the beginning.
Which Safety Helmet is Suitable for Construction Sites?
Safety helmets used on construction sites comply with the standards DIN EN 397 and EN 14052 – the hazard assessment conducted by the employer determines which safety helmet must be worn. Safety helmets should be regularly inspected for damage and replaced, as weather exposure such as sunlight and mechanical stress can make the plastic brittle. Helmets made from thermoplastic material must be replaced every four years, helmets made from duroplastic material every eight years. At the same time, employees themselves must inspect their helmets for visible damage such as hairline cracks or abnormalities such as a cracking sound when squeezing the helmet from the sides or bending the visor.
For more information on what to consider regarding protective equipment in addition to the construction helmet, check out our article on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the Construction Site
Are There Exceptions to the Helmet Requirement?
There are no exceptions to the helmet requirement. Even if the helmet is uncomfortable to wear, you cannot be exempted from the helmet requirement. Instead, you should opt for a helmet with better fit or lower weight. If the helmet requirement is violated, high fines threaten. Compliance is monitored by the BG Bau (Construction Employers' Liability Insurance Association) and the state labor protection authorities.
What Do the Different Helmet Colors Mean?
Although there is no regulation regarding the color of the construction helmet, the following assignment can often be observed, especially on larger construction sites:
- White helmet: Site manager, architects, foremen, visitors
- Yellow helmet: Construction workers, masons, warehouse managers
- Red helmet: Supervisor, electricians, forestry workers
- Blue helmet: Metalworkers, plumbing contractors
- Green helmet: Carpenters
- Orange helmet: Reinforced concrete workers, forestry workers, safety officers
However, these "rules" are far from strictly adhered to on all construction sites.
This page was automatically translated from German.