In areas where there is a potential for head injury, what must employees be provided with?

In environments where there is a risk of head injury, providing protective helmets is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of severe injury to the skull and brain in the event of a fall or an object striking the head. They are a critical piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing, where overhead hazards may pose a significant threat.

Other types of PPE, like protective eyewear, safety gloves, or respiratory masks, serve different purposes and do not offer the necessary protection against head injuries. While they are important for other safety concerns—such as eye protection from debris, hand protection from cuts and chemicals, or respiratory health from inhalation hazards—none of these substitute the specialized protection provided by helmets in cases where head injury is a potential hazard.