• Employees in hazardous work environments must wear head protection.hardhat worker image by David Sexton from Fotolia.com
  
  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hardhats in workplaces that place employees at risk for head injury from falling or flying objects, head impact or electrical shock. Hardhats provide protection by insulating the head from impact or electrical current. Hardhats must meet standards set by American National Standards Institute and be appropriate to the work environment.
  
  

Impact/Falling Object Risk

• Workplaces with risks of falling objects must use hardhats.Hard working construction worker at a construction scene. image by Andy Dean from Fotolia.com
  
  Construction sites and factories may present a risk of falling and falling objects as well as other hazards for impact to the head. OSHA requires hardhats be worn in these areas.
  
  Hardhats used must meet the requirements of the American National Standards Institute under regulation Z89.1-1969.
  
  

Electrical Risk

• Employees working with electrical lines must have hard hats.lineman,utility worker image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Employees working for electrical utilities or who work in areas near sources of electricity are at risk for electrical shock and burn. OSHA requires workers at risk of electrical shock to wear hardhats designed to insulate the employee against electricity.
  
  Hardhats for employees at risk of electrical shock must meet the requirements of the American National Standards Institute under regulation Z89.2-1971.
  
  

Hardhat Alternatives

• OSHA allows employers to use alternatives to hardhats. Employers must show the device meets or exceeds the standards set for hardhats by the American National Standards Institute.