"Just by wearing a helmet, you are making a modest investment in your own health and safety. "

 

Protect your Head: Wear a Safety Helmet or a Hard Hat

"Aray!" Why is that? Have you properly worn your helmet? One thing's for sure: you sometimes neglect your own safety so much that you cause pain and injury to your head. 

Wearing a safety helmet or a hard hat onboard the ship must be one of your pointing checks before you go to work.

Wearing a safety helmet at work can reduce the risk of intracranial injuries resulting from falls, but it may not significantly reduce in-hospital mortalities. Studies suggest that safety helmets can prevent intracranial injuries from work-related falls, especially within a certain height range. [1] (Sang et al., 2016)

If you work on a ship, particularly in the engine room, cargo holds, or on the main deck, you should read this article to learn about the potential reasons why crew members do not wear head protection, the potential hazards of not wearing a hard hat or safety helmet, the benefits of wearing one correctly, and how to encourage its proper use.

Potential Reasons for Not Wearing Proper Head Protection

Nobody is surprised to see someone working on deck or in the engine room without a hard hat or safety helmet, even though there have been numerous safety measures, risk assessments, and safety campaigns about the proper use of PPE. How come, though? See the items in the list down below.

• Feeling confident in one's abilities to complete tasks.
• Wearing a hard helmet or safety helmet, particularly the portion that covers the chin, can be quite constricting and uncomfortable.
• The supply of personal protective equipment is incomplete.
• Working conditions that are hot and humid, such as those found in engine rooms.
• Insufficient understanding of potential dangers and adverse events.
  

Hazards of Not Wearing Head Protection

• Falling and flying objects are the most common hazards that can cause head injuries in the workplace. Without proper head protection, workers are at risk of suffering severe head trauma, concussions, or even fatal injuries.
• Accidentally bumping your head towards a metal pipe or access hatch lid can also cause laceration in your scalp or, worse, a skull fracture.
• When you work and you hit your head with an electric conductor, you may suffer from electric shock or burns in addition to head injuries.
• Long and unfixed hair can also get in machine parts, motors, belts, chains, or other equipment, posing a serious risk for entanglement and injury.

Benefits of Wearing a Safety Helmet

• Protection from head injuries in case of falls, collisions, or accidents.
• Reduces the risk of traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures.
• Increases visibility and awareness of potential hazards on the job site.
• Protects you from physical disability and high medical bills.
• Contributes to better health and productivity.

Tips for Proper Helmet Fit and Maintenance

• Ensuring a snug and comfortable fit to maximize protection. Put the chin strap properly to ensure that the helmet prevents shifting during work activities.
• Regular inspection and maintenance of helmets to check for cracks, damage, or wear and tear
• Avoid directly applying chemicals to the helmet.
• Properly storing helmets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight can also help maintain their integrity.
• Don't change or improvise the helmet because it may compromise its safety features.
• Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper care and maintenance to ensure optimal protection.
• Remember that a well-maintained helmet is your best defense against workplace injuries.

Encouraging Helmet Use in the Workplace

• Monitor the status of the personal protective equipment (PPE) of your crew. Be proactive in providing them with a safety helmet or hard hat that they need.
• Ensure adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Implement policies and guidelines that require the use of safety helmets on the main deck, outside accommodation decks, engine room, cargo holds, ballast tanks, and other high-risk environments.
• Promote awareness through safety campaigns and training programs on the importance of wearing helmets while working.
• Set a positive example by consistently wearing a helmet and encouraging others to do the same.

Conclusion

Working on a ship without a hard hat or safety gear could be quite risky. You might benefit from a helmet in order to prevent physical impairment and head injuries while residing on this steel vessel.

Wearing it won't take more than five minutes of your time, but that time could save you from serious medical problems. Because you only get one shot at this life, making sure you're safe should be your first priority.

Just by wearing a helmet, you are making a modest investment in your own health and safety and paving the way for others to do the same. When working on a ship, make sure you take all necessary precautions to stay safe.

References

Sang, Young, Sang, & Joo. (2016). International journal of environmental research and public health 13 no. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/13/11/1063