Use of protective helmets in construction

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 2, 1991

Mr. Paul Vincent Bonfiglio
Safety Advisor
Vincent Safety Services Company
357 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 206
West Hempstead, New York 11552

Dear Mr. Bonfiglio:

This is in response to your September 26 letter requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's requirement for the use of protective helmets. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Exemption from the requirement to wear hard hats for religious reasons.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 

 

Hard hat testing and certification requirements when the hard hat bill is worn to the rear.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 17, 2002

Ms. Linda Keene
Safety Coordinator
Pipe Systems Inc.
P.O. Box 420
Carthage, MO 64836

Re: §1926.100(a) and (b); hard hat protection

Dear Ms. Keene:

Hard hats are not required where there is no exposure to head injuries.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 20, 2004

Mr. Bret W. Barnard
WBM Heritage Roofing, Inc.
P.O. Box 186
Kyle, TX 78640

Re: Hard hat requirements for workers on a roof; §1926.100

Dear Mr. Barnard:

This is in response to your letter dated February 4, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning §1926.100. You request clarification of the standard as it applies to the wearing of hard hats on a roof-top construction site.

We have paraphrased your question below:

Determining the need for hard hat and eye protection on construction sites.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 

Clarification on when hard hats can be worn with bill facing to the rear.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 9, 2011

Mr. Raymond Horn
6996 Deerfield Road
Bartlett, Tennessee 38135

Dear Mr. Horn: