OSHA 1926.100(a): hard hats where head injury is possible
Under 29 CFR 1926.100(a), construction workers in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns must be protected by protective helmets.
Official text
(a) Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- Helmets are required wherever head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock and burns is possible.
- Helmets must meet the ANSI Z89.1 criteria listed in 1926.100(b).
- Head protection does not replace keeping workers out of overhead load paths and fall zones.
Where it shows up on site
- A worker without a hard hat below an active steel or deck crew
- Hard hats hung on the belt during a break near overhead work
- Damaged or expired shells and suspensions
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- What is the working height of the elevated deck and the fall exposure distance?
- Is the ground-level worker a designated spotter/signal person or within a controlled exclusion zone?
- What are the load weight, rigging capacity, and crane lift plan details?
- Is this a helicopter hoisting operation or a conventional crane lift?
Typical corrective actions
- Verify by a competent person whether the ground-level worker is a necessary spotter/signal person or should be relocated outside the load's fall/swing zone.
- If the worker must remain, ensure appropriate head protection and a controlled exclusion/fall zone are established per the lift plan.
- Confirm the lift plan, rigging capacity, and crane setup by a qualified person before continuing the lift.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.