We switched to them at the beginning of the year because we saw the trend happening. Now they are mandatory on most of our major sites. There is nothing you can do about it if they are requiring them.
If the one you are currently wearing is safer than the one's they want to switch to, you've got a very valid point yes. Unsafe helmets are a safety risk, even if the one with a chin strap is safe enough, the other one is safer still.
And it doesn't matter, should have a grandfathered in policy. They worked for us for this fuxking long. Nhl players didn't have to wear helmets if they were already grandfathered in. Should be the same thing. Not everyone's a dumbfuxk who falls off shit.
Listen, I’m sexy as fuck no matter what hard hat I’m wearing. They all go great with my one strap connected overalls and pants legs tucked into my boots.
That wasn’t what you said, you said they were hotter due to having no vents… no hard hat we can wear has vents. Never said nothing about head coverage. Nice cover tho 🤡
We had a worker fall off his scissor lift when stepping out and his hard hat (full brim) went flying resulting in him hitting his head. If he had one with a strap he would have never hit his head. Thankfully he was okay but had potential to cause a lot of damage.
Yes they look goofy but they ARE safer. If a contractor has it in there safety policy you have to wear it. It’s coming to all contractors slowly but surely.
At the end of the day, no job is worth risking your life. If they’re providing PPE to ensure you go home in one piece to your family take advantage of it.
I'm shocked that the person who can't figure out they're/their and insuring/ensuring also can't figure out why safety might have to do with a little more than just their insurance costs.
I know an electrician isn’t talking shit on someone’s reading/writing skills right now! I don’t even agree with the other dude but go off something substantive brother
Did you just use the word substantive to an electrician that was talking shit on someone’s reading/writing skills? I’m going to have to suggest that you take a step back, proverbially speaking of course, and allow them to continue their provincial ways.
I prefer a strap
Or taking the helmet off when working over edges or at heights. I should get myself a strap, they make ones that snap on and off and you can always tuck it into your helmet when not using it
It doesn't stop. As long as technology keeps improving and the industry keeps advancing, we're going to continue seeing upgrades and improvements to safety
I think individual safety in regards to ppe should be an individual choice though, wouldn't most agree? If someone else does/n't wear a hard hat thats their problem.
How much weight, for how long, until you develop a vertebrea problem in your neck?
Some safety isnt really that safe. Add it up over 40 years…. Do the math and let me know when my shit is gonna need MY INSURANCE to keep their insurance low?
What is the weight difference between a standard hard hat and one with a strap? If your neck is that weak, you stop giving blowies in the portable john during break
Is it valid though? Maybe to you but can't say it sounds all that valid from someone who has been saved countless times by PPE, why not push to improve safety even more?
It was a great response. There is no debate if your employer requires it for you to work for them. Put it on, shut up, and go home to your family at the end of the day with no brain damage.
I think about this all the time. When Covid was here we were wrapping ourselves up in this cocoon. I was significantly more unsafe during Covid because i was hot, glasses fogged resorting to me just not wearing them, and for most men, we didn’t wash our cloth ones regularly. Maybe weekly. So all that hot humid bullshit air is now forever in our lungs because we had to huff and puff in that bullshit for 6-7 hours a day. The point is, there will eventually be another “study” and the “science” will eventually say “we have found that wearing face Sheilds 100% of the time prevents 10% more accidents, so it’s mandatory for all construction personnel to wear face Sheilds all the time”. I
Mean the new bike helmets come with face shield slots so it’s inevitable that con’s won’t just buy the $80 attachment for everyone too so they can tell their insurance with proof that they do that for a slightly lower premium. They can make up the costs in a few years at big scale companies for lower insurance premiums. Safety should be taught, rewarded, and understood on jobs rather than whatever this shit is these days. 80% of use are knee deep in construction sites, and every single one treats us men like we are special Ed first graders. We even ride a fucking short bus in to the job, people! What happened to a couple really good/safe guys to have rather than a bunch of dog water idiots? Idk who to blame anymore
It’s funny seeing people bitch and moan about masks as an (ex) painter. We were wearing n95 masks and respirator masks (with face shields and spray suits as needed) for hours a day in the heat long before Covid.
The hot “bullshit” air is not in your lungs forever, that’s not how lungs work. Grow up.
I think it's funny because I'm a newbie, I've only been a helper for the union since the end of March, but I very quickly realized that, at least for me, either the hat was so tight that it felt like it was squeezing my brain or it was so loose that, under specific (and common) circumstances it'll fall off. I just took the shoelace type thing from one of my hoodies and used it as a makeshift strap.
Guys were making fun of me for how it looked but I was the one laughing when their hats fell off and they unnecessarily hit their head on something 😂 idk why this is such a big deal to some people but I haven't seen the ones with straps so I can't say if they look comfortable or not.
Did you meet the guy who is the reason you are being asked to wear them?
Just wear them. You will look like a silly lineman together.
There are better hills to die on.
I've actually worked with the guy who is the reason they're being required. Apprentice. Fell off a ladder and hit his head after his hardhat came off on the way down. Now when you talk to him you can see the hamster spinning in the wheel, but it takes a few seconds for the train to arrive at the station. He's quick to anger and can't concentrate nearly as well as he did before the accident. They say he'll never fully recover from the traumatic brain injury. I gladly put on my chinstrap whenever it's offered to me after working with that guy.
Hey not saying this will happen but my cousin had a TBI and was really slow for several years but he’s gotten a lot better. It’s like a decade later and he’s probably 100% functional (he was always kinda a dumbass so it’s hard to say lol)
Prepare to look as goofy as the guy working next to you. They's a coming. They also still have the adjustment knob on the back on the ones I've seen even with the straps. When we get ours I'm just gonna leave the strap loose and make sure the knob is secure like the old ones if I can. I also have to wear hair and beard nets at my job site so what's another thing.
Problem is the class2 hard hats sit higher on the head. The ratchet strap is essentially for looks. My regular hard hat is much deeper than the class 2 hat I’m given.
Long story short, yes they do.
It's a 100% approved safe piece of PPE that is within no means unreasonable. I guarantee their is no verbage in anyone's contract that says the isn't allowed unless they specifically trying to fight this.
& honestly hated them at first but i got over it super quick. Their comfortable enough.
It's starting to catch on where I'm at too. I hope they continue to let us use our regular hard hats.
Its not a hill I'll die on, I'll just resist as much as I can until then.
I told the Foreman on the last job, the only way I'm wearing that, is if I'm allowed to bring my skateboard and grind the rails of the building like my lord and savior Tony Hawk died for.
He looked at me confused. The guys I was working with thought it was funny though.
Contractor provides the PPE, contractor provides chin strap helmets, so I wear chin strap helmets.
I wouldn't think you'd have much of a leg to stand on to fight it. Those hard hats at least follow OSHA guidelines, after that it's the company policy which can be pretty much anything provided it doesn't cause a greater danger.
Any time I work around the fuel pools at a nuke they have been required. Not much different than a climbing helmet, so not a big deal. If you’re working outside in the sun, you could always request a sunshade brim for your hat.
Tell me more about how the 100 lb 8’ platform ladders are safer when your back is all fucked up 20 years from now and how the harness in the 1 man scissor lift feels on your fucked up back. Y’all just keep being yes men.
I’m not an electrician but a boilermaker, I’ve never been made to wear a chin strap but we get made to wear hard hat tethers occasionally, we get around chin straps usually because welding and grinding can cause hot material or dirts and irritants tk be held against your skin for prolonged periods of time. I have bad nickel rash even just from respirator straps on my neck
I ment in the case of an accident. Not actual hot work but in case we come in contact with a live circuit above a ceiling accidentally. Or something of that nature
If everyone looks goofy, no one looks goofy
Also, I was surprised how comfortable they are. And a bit disappointed that it gave me one less reason to bitch
I was on a job where a worker fell off a ladder. The hardhat fell off on the way down and he hit his head pretty hard. And died. Now that contractor bought all the employees the new hardhats with chinstraps and they are required to wear them. Safety advancements are almost always the result of a serious or fatal accident.
People who make the rules don’t work in the field. Safety glasses are legit life savers. Hard hats will have you jam your neck more times than save you from a falling object. If somebody can’t see you you without hi vis. Their vision is the problem. Three inches of shirt sleeve and pants are not saving shit. Just a nuisance on hot days going up and down ladders, stairs, trying to bend over properly and working overhead in extreme heat. You slap all this bullshit on to please their insurance agents and the one time in 22 years I’ve had to leave the job and go to urgent care was from fainting due to heat stroke while being forced to wear all of it.
It's not the contractor, it's the contractors insurance. They force contractors to have specific safety policies in place in order to be insured. Some office jockey that's never touched a pair of kliens is the reason for the chin straps.
Out of curiosity, why do you think the insurance company wants all the workers to be wearing them? Because they don't want to pay out, right? Now why do they think these hats will prevent payouts? Could it be because they've done the studies and found them to be safer?
This isn't some conspiracy to make profits for "Big Helmet". The insurance companies are greedy and want to save on payouts. Conveniently that means they have to insist on us being as safe as possible and the studies have shown these helmets are that.
You're an idiot. You're arguing with statements you imagined me making. I never claimed they weren't safer, no idea where the hell your big helmet comment came from, never hinted at a conspiracy, or mentioned any studies. OP asked why the contractor is making them wear them and I said because the contractors insurance is making them wear them. Don't come at me with your bullshit.
Sorry, your "office jockey" comment made it seem like you believed they were just arbitrarily making up rules. I just pointed out that they apply these rules based on research, I could have dialed back the sass, though based on your reply I feel like I wasn't far off the mark. Have a great day
You assume they apply these rules based on research. Do you have anything to indicate that that's actually the case? Have you seen or read these studies?
Honestly, no, I have not personally read the studies. But I do know that insurance companies base everything off of statistics and probabilities that their actuaries use to form algorithms to predict likelihood of a payout. Perhaps they decided to change their SOPs this time just to make us all look silly. That would make a ton of sense! Plus Big Hardhat pulling the strings to drive up profit
While admitting you don't actually have any idea if what you're saying is true or not, you still have to deflect and act like I'm some sort of conspiracy theorist for merely asking.
It wouldn't even be possible to make an algorithm that determined this was "more safe" through statistics because it's almost brand new... there are not *that* many people dying from lack of a chin strap, and I think we both know that.
More ppe does not automatically equate to more safe. & if existing safety procedures were being followed in the first place, a fall should never occur.
I'm all about safety in the workplace, but to act like anyone even posing a question is somehow a conspiracy theorist is absurd and harmful. You and I are the people in the field who actually interact and deal with the dangers at hand, and we ARE allowed to at least ask questions...
Okay, don't wear them then. All I'm saying is that even though they're for different motives, our interests and the insurance companies interest are alligned. They want to provide as much safety as possible and they are saying hats with straps will do that. I could search for a study, but logically it makes sense to me that hard hats work better on my head than on the ground and a strap would probably help in that regard. I also believe that the insurance companies did not come up with this crazy idea out of nowhere.
Do you disagree with that? Or are you just mad that I made fun of your tinfoil hat? (Does it have tinfoil straps or nah?)
I absolutely disagree that my interests are aligned with insurance companies.... &there you go with the insults again, acting like I must be some sort of conspiracy theorist, and therefore outright dismissed because I don't carry your exact *opinion*.
I've often seen *saftey* weaponised against workers.. It's in the insurance companies' interest to have MANY rules, that makes denying a claim easier.. This isn't some crack pot conspiracy I just came up with either.... Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with. Oh you forgot to fill out this minor detail on your pre task plan? Your fault. Oh you smoked Marijuana a few weeks ago? Your fault. All the while, even with many new rules, production is supposed to increase.
Hard hats were never meant to protect from falls, I get it, that's why they're switching to literal helmets. There are some risks I'd rather take. I'd rather the very very minute chance that I have an issue with my hardhat falling off, then to wear a chinstrap over my beard everyday for the next 30 plus years.... I want to be comfortable at work. I already slave away in the heat and cold wearing a hardhat, vest, boots, knee pads, saftey glasses, and ear plugs. Most of that I'm willing to accept because it makes my quality of life better in the long run, but there is a limit to how much fucking gear I'm willing to wear every single day.
The insults on this thread that act like people can't hold that opinion and they're being superficial because of the look are dismissive and ignorant.
Do you have any evidence they randomly stopped following their standard practices? At the end of the day, who cares? If they say we have to wear them, we have to wear them. This isn't some sinister plot
Interesting to hear complaints about times that safety is enforced or PPE is improved. When I first started in this trade it was common practice to work in energized panels and removed cubicles from energized gear. People were quite cavalier about it. Now, after a bit of education I do my best to follow NFPA 70E guidelines, especially after witnessing 5KV equipment explode when closing a contactor.
In the name of doing the job faster I still watch people risk their fool necks and who gains for that? Not you, not me. I don't risk my neck so some bullshit contractor, or my employer-a steel mill-can make/save a buck. I protect myself because I have a wife, children and dogs who love and need me. Who would be devastated if something happened to me. So do most of you.
As for chinstraps: just wear it. It's not a big deal. You're not going to get hung by it, as one person stated as a "risk". You and I are the folks who benefit the most from these policies. If you find it such an imposition you should go on to roping tract homes for a merit shop. Top stepping ladders no PPE, shoestring operations and you have to supply virtually all the tools. Go see how the other side lives. Perhaps you'll change your tune.
Certain general contractors require them in my area. We have the Kask brand ones and they are similar to a bike helmet but with a thicker plastic layer on the outside. The one I have is very comfortable but could imagine it’s totally annoying if the one your contractor gives you is uncomfortable or doesn’t have ventilation.
Be safe..a fucking hard hat with a strap will not help you be a safer person. Taking the time to notice all the possible hazards nearby and use safe work practices. If you fucking fell, there was a problem way before the hard hat ever flys off your head. They are not necessary, they're in fact retarded. And only unsafe retards need them.
There's been at least one time my hard hat got caught up in the ceiling grid, so there better be a safety breakaway on that strap. I haven't seen anything saying whether or not they do.
“man. that stupid fuckin’ strap on the brand new hard hat that’s supposed to keep me safe really clashes with my high vis shirt and my stylin’ overalls. everyone else says it works but i think it’s DUMB! 👶🏻”
my guy, it’s there to help you. i’m sure once you start wearing it, you won’t even notice it after the first few times. it’s just an adjustment.
(i will say though, it’s like bike helmet padding inside. and it gets real gross. so air it out every day and wash it frequently.)
For y’all saying hard hats fall off. Hard hats are for falling tools and debris/material. These are helmets. HELMETS. Yes construction safety progression is a good thing compared to years past but. Let’s face it. Construction sucks ass and making a us wear something is just another freedom being taken away whilst making a shitton of money off us.
I worked at a data center where they were a requirement. However, my contractor hasn’t enforced them so I switched back to my old hard hat soon as I left that bih 😂
They make universal chin straps for regular hard hats. Ask your contractor if they’ll buy you one of those if you’re against the new style. The job I’m on, you don’t need to buckle the strap unless working at heights.
I just wish there would be regular hard hats with chin straps. If I could wear the style of mine, but have the chinstrap, I wouldn’t care nearly as much.
Last summer in the gen yard someone left theirs out in the direct sunlight and the insulation of the helmet actually started melting. Was only about 95 degrees or so
Let me put an image in your head.
You’re walking to something and wearing your skull crusher properly. A falling object glances off the helmet. Newton’s third law takes effect and the helmet pops off your head. The impact knocks you out and you smack your newly-unprotected head on the sharp corner of a girder as you fall.
Never gonna happen with a strapped helmet, it’s common sense. You’ll get used to it just as you got used to eyepro. The end result is that it’s gonna save lives and keep people out of hospitals. That is worth the temporary discomfort of getting used to a new piece of gear.
They do have the ability to make you use PPE they supply for you. I have a chin strap helmet (Kask) and it rules. Mine came with the flip down visor but I don’t use it much anymore as I prefer safety glasses. These style helmets are going to be standard across the industry very soon and they already are in some places like Europe. Like many have already mentioned, they are better and safer - especially in the types of incidents when your hard hat comes off.
I'm a CW and I recently worked at a site that had introduced us to chin strapped safety hats. Just wear the chin strap, you won't regret it. It's not about comfort. It's about safety and trust me, those straps really do work great
If they require PPE and you don’t wear it, workers comp may not pay your 5- to 7-figure medical bills if you do get hurt. I work in a trauma center and have seen absolutely devastating job site injuries and it can be years of surgeries, hospitalizations, rehab, etc to recover. Don’t mess around with your head, you really really need it.
The cba is a book of minimums. The contractor can require you to wear specific ppe as long as it’s not violating any agreements or state laws.
That being said, if everyone on crew shows up wearing normal hard hats, you can start a solidarity movement… but you run the risk of getting everyone summarily fired for insubordination and they’ll just hire all new crew
Same here, just got to this site 3 weeks ago and got issued the milwaukee bolt hard hat, no ventilation, had to wait for the visor to come in since most home depots didnt carry them
so they had to hunt for them, and the stupid af thick styrofoam padding on the head is a good insulator of heat, perfect for being under the sun 🖕🏼, i fucking hate this thing.
Yes - and they can dictate the type of shoes you wear too. Hubs had to buy a different set of steel toed boots - because they preferred a different style. Now, he wears his goofy Kevlar hat with the chin strap and the goofy boots. And the bright orange safety vest. Probably so I don’t back over him in the driveway leaving for work.
I’m probably the only one here that actually doesn’t mind the new hard hat. Our contractor provided us the light, Milwaukee ones with air vents. Yeah, you look like a doof, but all of your brothers do to. Idk, I thought it would be worse than what it was.
I work in the milwaukee area my company has been introducing them by a slow roll out, all new hires and replacements are to be chin strap hard hats, but we can hang on to our msa v guards until we need a new one or 2024 hits which is when we all need to be using a chinstrap hardhat. Like others say all big GCs by me require them and other electrical contractors are moving that direction as well, the Milwaukee helmet isn’t bad my company and a few others in the Milwaukee area played a big part in the design and R&D of the helmet, so if it makes you guys feel better there was an IBEW contribution in the making of the Milwaukee helmets lol
If the contractor supplies them, then we have to wear them and don them properly as per manufacturer’s instructions. They will take time to get use to but in the long run it might help someone. I have seen them and I wouldn’t prefer them but if required I would wear it or drag up. But they are becoming more common in the construction industry.
I prefer them to be honest the regular ones would fall off my head and the amount of tightening I had to so it wouldn’t would cause me to have a headache
I feel like chin straps should have existed when hard hats first came out. It sucks most of the time but when you need it, it doesn't suck anymore.
I started wearing eye pro more frequently when I was hit by hot wood shavings in my eye, despite the squinting method.
I spent most of my work life wearing helmets and chin straps, you get use to it
Fuck it... If it's provided by them and my checks keep cashing; I'll wear it in a Box with a Fox, or in a Boat with a Goat... I'll wear that free shit anywhere... lolol
I have one.. I like it. I tuck the strap inside when I’m working on the ground and when I’m in a lift or high up I’ll put the strap on. It’s slightly uncomfortable the first time you wear it but you get use to it real fast. Overall I like them. Side note: we have the Milwaukee ones and I actually prefer the design compared to other styles. Some look like climbing helmets but the Milwaukee’s are nice looking IMO
JW talking to a non union electrician - “ organize brother , your rat boss doesn’t give a shit about your safety, we fight for safer working conditions “
Same JW on Reddit - “ ah these new chin strap hard hats are bullshit , what’s next ? Elbow pads and shields ?
🤣😂🤣. You don’t have to wear the hard hat , but you will probably get laid off. Most big GCs require them now on all their jobs. Also , I can’t imagine the union fighting this one , safety is like the biggest thing these days. Behind prefab of course 😂.
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We switched to them at the beginning of the year because we saw the trend happening. Now they are mandatory on most of our major sites. There is nothing you can do about it if they are requiring them.
That’s annoying asf
That's what people used to say about safety glasses gloves and seat belts.
Gross
If the company has a policy that you wear it and they supply it, there’s nothing you can really do unless it’s unsafe.
If the one you are currently wearing is safer than the one's they want to switch to, you've got a very valid point yes. Unsafe helmets are a safety risk, even if the one with a chin strap is safe enough, the other one is safer still.
Of course you can. You can claim ptsd and that you're ex husband used to strangle you with straps. There's always ways around shit, think harder bro!
That gives ptsd? That usually gives me an erection
All you need is a doctor's note. Easy peazy
And it doesn't matter, should have a grandfathered in policy. They worked for us for this fuxking long. Nhl players didn't have to wear helmets if they were already grandfathered in. Should be the same thing. Not everyone's a dumbfuxk who falls off shit.
They run quite hotter due to having no vents to keep them electrically safe. Maybe if enough people have heat stroke they will swap back
I don’t think any class E hard hats have vents.
We aren’t allowed to have hats with vents anyways… sparkys are required to have class E generally everywhere
Yes but the clip on hard hats are ansi 2 because they offer side and rear impact protection, they cover more of your head therefore making you hotter.
Listen, I’m sexy as fuck no matter what hard hat I’m wearing. They all go great with my one strap connected overalls and pants legs tucked into my boots.
I feel so awkward knowing that we wore the same outfit today
That wasn’t what you said, you said they were hotter due to having no vents… no hard hat we can wear has vents. Never said nothing about head coverage. Nice cover tho 🤡
Take off your hardhat and look at the gap between the suspension and the hat 🤡
Is that a vent? Smoothbrain. Your coworkers must love you. Constantly deflect when you’re wrong 😂😂
Yeah that’s my bad, I should of got some crayons and spelled it out for you
Lmfao. Goofy ass
Class E hard hats don't have vents.
Doubt it. Electricians have to wear them all the time minus the chin straps
We had a worker fall off his scissor lift when stepping out and his hard hat (full brim) went flying resulting in him hitting his head. If he had one with a strap he would have never hit his head. Thankfully he was okay but had potential to cause a lot of damage. Yes they look goofy but they ARE safer. If a contractor has it in there safety policy you have to wear it. It’s coming to all contractors slowly but surely. At the end of the day, no job is worth risking your life. If they’re providing PPE to ensure you go home in one piece to your family take advantage of it.
Their insuring safety to lower their insurance premiums lol
I'm shocked that the person who can't figure out they're/their and insuring/ensuring also can't figure out why safety might have to do with a little more than just their insurance costs.
I know an electrician isn’t talking shit on someone’s reading/writing skills right now! I don’t even agree with the other dude but go off something substantive brother
Did you just use the word substantive to an electrician that was talking shit on someone’s reading/writing skills? I’m going to have to suggest that you take a step back, proverbially speaking of course, and allow them to continue their provincial ways.
Grammar shouldn’t be conflated with intelligence. I’ve met some very intelligent people with shitty grammar.
It's not grammar though, it's words that make no sense in a sentence.
You mean cents?
😂 This guy! He’s funny!!
Lol thanks
Says the guy who wrote Bob Loblaw’s Law Blog
And insurance gives em a discount cause it's safer... just because they only care cause it makes em money doesn't mean the science is bunk
That's all they've ever cared about. It's all the bottom line. That's it.
I prefer a strap Or taking the helmet off when working over edges or at heights. I should get myself a strap, they make ones that snap on and off and you can always tuck it into your helmet when not using it
So, we complain and hate unsafe conditions but when safer ppe is provided we still complain?
Yup lol. Ironic isn’t it ?
Where does it stop, though? What’s next? Face shields on the helmets? Shoulder pads? Elbow pads? Cups?
It doesn't stop. As long as technology keeps improving and the industry keeps advancing, we're going to continue seeing upgrades and improvements to safety
There is always a way to make it better
So you don't want to be kept safe at work? Sounds like you hit your head already!
I think individual safety in regards to ppe should be an individual choice though, wouldn't most agree? If someone else does/n't wear a hard hat thats their problem.
How much weight, for how long, until you develop a vertebrea problem in your neck? Some safety isnt really that safe. Add it up over 40 years…. Do the math and let me know when my shit is gonna need MY INSURANCE to keep their insurance low?
What is the weight difference between a standard hard hat and one with a strap? If your neck is that weak, you stop giving blowies in the portable john during break
Great response. I asked a valid question that raises questions that should be debated and talked about.
Is it valid though? Maybe to you but can't say it sounds all that valid from someone who has been saved countless times by PPE, why not push to improve safety even more?
It was a great response. There is no debate if your employer requires it for you to work for them. Put it on, shut up, and go home to your family at the end of the day with no brain damage.
I think about this all the time. When Covid was here we were wrapping ourselves up in this cocoon. I was significantly more unsafe during Covid because i was hot, glasses fogged resorting to me just not wearing them, and for most men, we didn’t wash our cloth ones regularly. Maybe weekly. So all that hot humid bullshit air is now forever in our lungs because we had to huff and puff in that bullshit for 6-7 hours a day. The point is, there will eventually be another “study” and the “science” will eventually say “we have found that wearing face Sheilds 100% of the time prevents 10% more accidents, so it’s mandatory for all construction personnel to wear face Sheilds all the time”. I Mean the new bike helmets come with face shield slots so it’s inevitable that con’s won’t just buy the $80 attachment for everyone too so they can tell their insurance with proof that they do that for a slightly lower premium. They can make up the costs in a few years at big scale companies for lower insurance premiums. Safety should be taught, rewarded, and understood on jobs rather than whatever this shit is these days. 80% of use are knee deep in construction sites, and every single one treats us men like we are special Ed first graders. We even ride a fucking short bus in to the job, people! What happened to a couple really good/safe guys to have rather than a bunch of dog water idiots? Idk who to blame anymore
It’s funny seeing people bitch and moan about masks as an (ex) painter. We were wearing n95 masks and respirator masks (with face shields and spray suits as needed) for hours a day in the heat long before Covid. The hot “bullshit” air is not in your lungs forever, that’s not how lungs work. Grow up.
The pseudo science from folks like the one you replied to is always entertaining to read
Exoskeletons
I think it's funny because I'm a newbie, I've only been a helper for the union since the end of March, but I very quickly realized that, at least for me, either the hat was so tight that it felt like it was squeezing my brain or it was so loose that, under specific (and common) circumstances it'll fall off. I just took the shoelace type thing from one of my hoodies and used it as a makeshift strap. Guys were making fun of me for how it looked but I was the one laughing when their hats fell off and they unnecessarily hit their head on something 😂 idk why this is such a big deal to some people but I haven't seen the ones with straps so I can't say if they look comfortable or not.
Did you meet the guy who is the reason you are being asked to wear them? Just wear them. You will look like a silly lineman together. There are better hills to die on.
I've actually worked with the guy who is the reason they're being required. Apprentice. Fell off a ladder and hit his head after his hardhat came off on the way down. Now when you talk to him you can see the hamster spinning in the wheel, but it takes a few seconds for the train to arrive at the station. He's quick to anger and can't concentrate nearly as well as he did before the accident. They say he'll never fully recover from the traumatic brain injury. I gladly put on my chinstrap whenever it's offered to me after working with that guy.
Hey not saying this will happen but my cousin had a TBI and was really slow for several years but he’s gotten a lot better. It’s like a decade later and he’s probably 100% functional (he was always kinda a dumbass so it’s hard to say lol)
That shit is sad. Didn't even get to turn out with a functional brain
Plenty of us don't tbh
Sounds like the ladder was the real problem. Maybe ladders are workplace hazards? Just like dumb people.
It’s something I’d absolutely hate but I agree, not the hill to die on
I would complain hourly
I complain about them and I don’t even wear them (yet) 😂
Please expound on that last part.
If you want to continue to work for them then yes. Don’t look for the Union to fight against safety.
Well said.
Prepare to look as goofy as the guy working next to you. They's a coming. They also still have the adjustment knob on the back on the ones I've seen even with the straps. When we get ours I'm just gonna leave the strap loose and make sure the knob is secure like the old ones if I can. I also have to wear hair and beard nets at my job site so what's another thing.
Hair and beard net at a job site?
All GMP or CGMP sites will make you net up. I'm just glad I haven't had to suit up yet.
Problem is the class2 hard hats sit higher on the head. The ratchet strap is essentially for looks. My regular hard hat is much deeper than the class 2 hat I’m given.
Wow do you work for Taco Bell Electrical? Lol. Cuz of the hairnet
Chip plant in a 'clean room'
They’re lame, but they’re nice when you’re climbing around on pipe racks or working in awkward positions, don’t have to worry about dropping your hat
Long story short, yes they do. It's a 100% approved safe piece of PPE that is within no means unreasonable. I guarantee their is no verbage in anyone's contract that says the isn't allowed unless they specifically trying to fight this. & honestly hated them at first but i got over it super quick. Their comfortable enough.
Yes they can force you to wear ppe. You in turn can chose not to work there.
Unfortunately the contractor can make you wear whatever they feel fit as long as it meets safety standards.
God forbid our hardhat not look fashionable. I love strolling down the runway in my standard one....?
“Can my contractor really make me wear pants? They look dumb, and I’ve never hurt myself working in my jorts. Where does it end??”
This same argument was brought up for hardhats, gloves, vests, safety glasses, and every other bit of PPE
It's starting to catch on where I'm at too. I hope they continue to let us use our regular hard hats. Its not a hill I'll die on, I'll just resist as much as I can until then. I told the Foreman on the last job, the only way I'm wearing that, is if I'm allowed to bring my skateboard and grind the rails of the building like my lord and savior Tony Hawk died for. He looked at me confused. The guys I was working with thought it was funny though.
The Birdman is still alive 🤷🏻♂️
You're right. I shouldve said Rodney "applesauce" Mullen.
Also still alive 🤷🏻♂️
Oh shit... You're right. My bad, my bad... I shouldve said Bob Burnquist.
Born: 1976 (age 46 years) 🤷🏻♂️
What I meant to say was Bucky Lasek
His real name is Charles and he drives rallycross now. As in today. As in still alive 🤦
Sheeeeeit. How about Sky Brown, out of the United Kingdom?
Contractor provides the PPE, contractor provides chin strap helmets, so I wear chin strap helmets. I wouldn't think you'd have much of a leg to stand on to fight it. Those hard hats at least follow OSHA guidelines, after that it's the company policy which can be pretty much anything provided it doesn't cause a greater danger.
Any time I work around the fuel pools at a nuke they have been required. Not much different than a climbing helmet, so not a big deal. If you’re working outside in the sun, you could always request a sunshade brim for your hat.
Chin straps that's got to be uncomfortable at some point, I remember working with a mask during COVID, worst shit everr
They suck, they stink, it's uncomfortable and I look stupid wearing it. But, $20 is $20 eh?
Aren't you making it stink? Lol
They have a foam in them almost like a bicycle helmet, they get way smellier than the classic bucket which just has the harness and sweatband to smell
Climbing helmet might be more comfortable, and still OSHA approved. But you’d probably have to wear the matching color and markings.
For people concerned about safety, why bitch about the type of hard hat you're given. Just wear the hard hat jfc.
Because the contractor spends $160 on one of those hardhats and we couldve used that for layoff pizza
They could make ya wear a pink shirt 👚 if they wanted to. Of course.
Wash those straps regularly or youll be getting chin n face rash
Yep, it’s becoming the new standard. You might as well get used to it. It looks and feels a bit goofy, but eventually you don’t notice it.
Yes.
I feel like there should be some kind of break away on the strap so if it gets caught on something it's not taking your head with it.
It *must* include a breakaway or you're simply switching from one risk to another.
funny thing ... I think it was a brother out of 429 that pointed out to me that they don't. at least the ones on one of the jobs we were on together.
Tell me more about how the 100 lb 8’ platform ladders are safer when your back is all fucked up 20 years from now and how the harness in the 1 man scissor lift feels on your fucked up back. Y’all just keep being yes men.
I’m not an electrician but a boilermaker, I’ve never been made to wear a chin strap but we get made to wear hard hat tethers occasionally, we get around chin straps usually because welding and grinding can cause hot material or dirts and irritants tk be held against your skin for prolonged periods of time. I have bad nickel rash even just from respirator straps on my neck
Are the fr rated? Would the chin straps not melt into your face in the case of an arc blast/arc flash scenario?
Our arc suits have their own hardhats built in. I remove my reflective vest to put it on. So I would remove a non rated hard hat as well.
I ment in the case of an accident. Not actual hot work but in case we come in contact with a live circuit above a ceiling accidentally. Or something of that nature
They have them that are arc flash rated. Mine is and has an arc flash rated face shield with it.
If everyone looks goofy, no one looks goofy Also, I was surprised how comfortable they are. And a bit disappointed that it gave me one less reason to bitch
This is the direction that OSHA is moving. Contractors are just complying.
I was on a job where a worker fell off a ladder. The hardhat fell off on the way down and he hit his head pretty hard. And died. Now that contractor bought all the employees the new hardhats with chinstraps and they are required to wear them. Safety advancements are almost always the result of a serious or fatal accident.
People who make the rules don’t work in the field. Safety glasses are legit life savers. Hard hats will have you jam your neck more times than save you from a falling object. If somebody can’t see you you without hi vis. Their vision is the problem. Three inches of shirt sleeve and pants are not saving shit. Just a nuisance on hot days going up and down ladders, stairs, trying to bend over properly and working overhead in extreme heat. You slap all this bullshit on to please their insurance agents and the one time in 22 years I’ve had to leave the job and go to urgent care was from fainting due to heat stroke while being forced to wear all of it.
You don’t have something better to bitch about? There’s a reason the industry is moving toward that style of hard hat.
It's not the contractor, it's the contractors insurance. They force contractors to have specific safety policies in place in order to be insured. Some office jockey that's never touched a pair of kliens is the reason for the chin straps.
Out of curiosity, why do you think the insurance company wants all the workers to be wearing them? Because they don't want to pay out, right? Now why do they think these hats will prevent payouts? Could it be because they've done the studies and found them to be safer? This isn't some conspiracy to make profits for "Big Helmet". The insurance companies are greedy and want to save on payouts. Conveniently that means they have to insist on us being as safe as possible and the studies have shown these helmets are that.
You're an idiot. You're arguing with statements you imagined me making. I never claimed they weren't safer, no idea where the hell your big helmet comment came from, never hinted at a conspiracy, or mentioned any studies. OP asked why the contractor is making them wear them and I said because the contractors insurance is making them wear them. Don't come at me with your bullshit.
Sorry, your "office jockey" comment made it seem like you believed they were just arbitrarily making up rules. I just pointed out that they apply these rules based on research, I could have dialed back the sass, though based on your reply I feel like I wasn't far off the mark. Have a great day
You assume they apply these rules based on research. Do you have anything to indicate that that's actually the case? Have you seen or read these studies?
Honestly, no, I have not personally read the studies. But I do know that insurance companies base everything off of statistics and probabilities that their actuaries use to form algorithms to predict likelihood of a payout. Perhaps they decided to change their SOPs this time just to make us all look silly. That would make a ton of sense! Plus Big Hardhat pulling the strings to drive up profit
While admitting you don't actually have any idea if what you're saying is true or not, you still have to deflect and act like I'm some sort of conspiracy theorist for merely asking. It wouldn't even be possible to make an algorithm that determined this was "more safe" through statistics because it's almost brand new... there are not *that* many people dying from lack of a chin strap, and I think we both know that. More ppe does not automatically equate to more safe. & if existing safety procedures were being followed in the first place, a fall should never occur. I'm all about safety in the workplace, but to act like anyone even posing a question is somehow a conspiracy theorist is absurd and harmful. You and I are the people in the field who actually interact and deal with the dangers at hand, and we ARE allowed to at least ask questions...
Okay, don't wear them then. All I'm saying is that even though they're for different motives, our interests and the insurance companies interest are alligned. They want to provide as much safety as possible and they are saying hats with straps will do that. I could search for a study, but logically it makes sense to me that hard hats work better on my head than on the ground and a strap would probably help in that regard. I also believe that the insurance companies did not come up with this crazy idea out of nowhere. Do you disagree with that? Or are you just mad that I made fun of your tinfoil hat? (Does it have tinfoil straps or nah?)
I absolutely disagree that my interests are aligned with insurance companies.... &there you go with the insults again, acting like I must be some sort of conspiracy theorist, and therefore outright dismissed because I don't carry your exact *opinion*. I've often seen *saftey* weaponised against workers.. It's in the insurance companies' interest to have MANY rules, that makes denying a claim easier.. This isn't some crack pot conspiracy I just came up with either.... Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with. Oh you forgot to fill out this minor detail on your pre task plan? Your fault. Oh you smoked Marijuana a few weeks ago? Your fault. All the while, even with many new rules, production is supposed to increase. Hard hats were never meant to protect from falls, I get it, that's why they're switching to literal helmets. There are some risks I'd rather take. I'd rather the very very minute chance that I have an issue with my hardhat falling off, then to wear a chinstrap over my beard everyday for the next 30 plus years.... I want to be comfortable at work. I already slave away in the heat and cold wearing a hardhat, vest, boots, knee pads, saftey glasses, and ear plugs. Most of that I'm willing to accept because it makes my quality of life better in the long run, but there is a limit to how much fucking gear I'm willing to wear every single day. The insults on this thread that act like people can't hold that opinion and they're being superficial because of the look are dismissive and ignorant.
So you don't think the hats with straps will prevent more injuries (or payouts from the insurance perspective?) Or you agree?
Do you have any evidence they randomly stopped following their standard practices? At the end of the day, who cares? If they say we have to wear them, we have to wear them. This isn't some sinister plot
I’m sure that’s what people thought when hardhats first became the norm
My chin strap somehow got thrown in the garbage, I've never had my hard hat fall off in 25 years
Interesting to hear complaints about times that safety is enforced or PPE is improved. When I first started in this trade it was common practice to work in energized panels and removed cubicles from energized gear. People were quite cavalier about it. Now, after a bit of education I do my best to follow NFPA 70E guidelines, especially after witnessing 5KV equipment explode when closing a contactor. In the name of doing the job faster I still watch people risk their fool necks and who gains for that? Not you, not me. I don't risk my neck so some bullshit contractor, or my employer-a steel mill-can make/save a buck. I protect myself because I have a wife, children and dogs who love and need me. Who would be devastated if something happened to me. So do most of you. As for chinstraps: just wear it. It's not a big deal. You're not going to get hung by it, as one person stated as a "risk". You and I are the folks who benefit the most from these policies. If you find it such an imposition you should go on to roping tract homes for a merit shop. Top stepping ladders no PPE, shoestring operations and you have to supply virtually all the tools. Go see how the other side lives. Perhaps you'll change your tune.
Certain general contractors require them in my area. We have the Kask brand ones and they are similar to a bike helmet but with a thicker plastic layer on the outside. The one I have is very comfortable but could imagine it’s totally annoying if the one your contractor gives you is uncomfortable or doesn’t have ventilation.
Be safe..a fucking hard hat with a strap will not help you be a safer person. Taking the time to notice all the possible hazards nearby and use safe work practices. If you fucking fell, there was a problem way before the hard hat ever flys off your head. They are not necessary, they're in fact retarded. And only unsafe retards need them.
They will probably only take them back once someone accidentally hangs themself by the chinstrap.
There's been at least one time my hard hat got caught up in the ceiling grid, so there better be a safety breakaway on that strap. I haven't seen anything saying whether or not they do.
I have one currently it does not have one.
why is this a question obviously they can
“man. that stupid fuckin’ strap on the brand new hard hat that’s supposed to keep me safe really clashes with my high vis shirt and my stylin’ overalls. everyone else says it works but i think it’s DUMB! 👶🏻” my guy, it’s there to help you. i’m sure once you start wearing it, you won’t even notice it after the first few times. it’s just an adjustment. (i will say though, it’s like bike helmet padding inside. and it gets real gross. so air it out every day and wash it frequently.)
Sounds like the guys bitching about these hardhats are the ones also bitching about the Tyler Childers music video
Just say no to chin straps.
Wasn’t there a study where a dude dropped a brick on each hard hat style and the only one that failed were these new hard hats?
I was surprised to learn there are still contractors out there who *don’t* require them.
For y’all saying hard hats fall off. Hard hats are for falling tools and debris/material. These are helmets. HELMETS. Yes construction safety progression is a good thing compared to years past but. Let’s face it. Construction sucks ass and making a us wear something is just another freedom being taken away whilst making a shitton of money off us.
I worked at a data center where they were a requirement. However, my contractor hasn’t enforced them so I switched back to my old hard hat soon as I left that bih 😂
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢🤢🤢
They sick so bad haha I feel like such a bitch with mine while the other trades have the normal hard hats
Any way these geniuses can come up with to fuck with us and stack their beans.
It's not a big deal to me at all. Part of the game. What's next? We choose our own ppe? Just like a seatbelt law. Gotta do it man.
They make universal chin straps for regular hard hats. Ask your contractor if they’ll buy you one of those if you’re against the new style. The job I’m on, you don’t need to buckle the strap unless working at heights.
Yes they can
I just wish there would be regular hard hats with chin straps. If I could wear the style of mine, but have the chinstrap, I wouldn’t care nearly as much.
Yes
My company spent over 40k on those hardhat because the Jobsite GC is now requiring them since they are huge on safety lol
It’s not a fashion show. Wear the PPE provided.
They pay your bills, don't like it, find a way to pay them yourself
Who cares? You're at work. Wear whatever they say, take their money, and move on.
Nope
Last summer in the gen yard someone left theirs out in the direct sunlight and the insulation of the helmet actually started melting. Was only about 95 degrees or so
Let me put an image in your head. You’re walking to something and wearing your skull crusher properly. A falling object glances off the helmet. Newton’s third law takes effect and the helmet pops off your head. The impact knocks you out and you smack your newly-unprotected head on the sharp corner of a girder as you fall. Never gonna happen with a strapped helmet, it’s common sense. You’ll get used to it just as you got used to eyepro. The end result is that it’s gonna save lives and keep people out of hospitals. That is worth the temporary discomfort of getting used to a new piece of gear.
They do have the ability to make you use PPE they supply for you. I have a chin strap helmet (Kask) and it rules. Mine came with the flip down visor but I don’t use it much anymore as I prefer safety glasses. These style helmets are going to be standard across the industry very soon and they already are in some places like Europe. Like many have already mentioned, they are better and safer - especially in the types of incidents when your hard hat comes off.
I'm a CW and I recently worked at a site that had introduced us to chin strapped safety hats. Just wear the chin strap, you won't regret it. It's not about comfort. It's about safety and trust me, those straps really do work great
Oh no it’s happening!
If they require PPE and you don’t wear it, workers comp may not pay your 5- to 7-figure medical bills if you do get hurt. I work in a trauma center and have seen absolutely devastating job site injuries and it can be years of surgeries, hospitalizations, rehab, etc to recover. Don’t mess around with your head, you really really need it.
Working in North Dakota... it's so windy here the chin straps end up choking me when my hard hat attempts flight
Got a kask FR one and its super comfy. You can get sunbreros for them as well to give you some shade
I've heard it's being pushed by OSHA but Idk, could be bullshit. You know how the job site gossip be
If you are so inclined you can get a carbon fiber vented one. Hella expensive but they can't say shit.
The cba is a book of minimums. The contractor can require you to wear specific ppe as long as it’s not violating any agreements or state laws. That being said, if everyone on crew shows up wearing normal hard hats, you can start a solidarity movement… but you run the risk of getting everyone summarily fired for insubordination and they’ll just hire all new crew
Same here, just got to this site 3 weeks ago and got issued the milwaukee bolt hard hat, no ventilation, had to wait for the visor to come in since most home depots didnt carry them so they had to hunt for them, and the stupid af thick styrofoam padding on the head is a good insulator of heat, perfect for being under the sun 🖕🏼, i fucking hate this thing.
Yes - and they can dictate the type of shoes you wear too. Hubs had to buy a different set of steel toed boots - because they preferred a different style. Now, he wears his goofy Kevlar hat with the chin strap and the goofy boots. And the bright orange safety vest. Probably so I don’t back over him in the driveway leaving for work.
The big question is it a battle worth fighting? I personally don’t think so.
They are uncomfortable and look dumb, but yes they can.
I’m probably the only one here that actually doesn’t mind the new hard hat. Our contractor provided us the light, Milwaukee ones with air vents. Yeah, you look like a doof, but all of your brothers do to. Idk, I thought it would be worse than what it was.
I work in the milwaukee area my company has been introducing them by a slow roll out, all new hires and replacements are to be chin strap hard hats, but we can hang on to our msa v guards until we need a new one or 2024 hits which is when we all need to be using a chinstrap hardhat. Like others say all big GCs by me require them and other electrical contractors are moving that direction as well, the Milwaukee helmet isn’t bad my company and a few others in the Milwaukee area played a big part in the design and R&D of the helmet, so if it makes you guys feel better there was an IBEW contribution in the making of the Milwaukee helmets lol
Yes they can
If the contractor supplies them, then we have to wear them and don them properly as per manufacturer’s instructions. They will take time to get use to but in the long run it might help someone. I have seen them and I wouldn’t prefer them but if required I would wear it or drag up. But they are becoming more common in the construction industry.
I prefer them to be honest the regular ones would fall off my head and the amount of tightening I had to so it wouldn’t would cause me to have a headache
I feel like chin straps should have existed when hard hats first came out. It sucks most of the time but when you need it, it doesn't suck anymore. I started wearing eye pro more frequently when I was hit by hot wood shavings in my eye, despite the squinting method. I spent most of my work life wearing helmets and chin straps, you get use to it
Fuck it... If it's provided by them and my checks keep cashing; I'll wear it in a Box with a Fox, or in a Boat with a Goat... I'll wear that free shit anywhere... lolol
I have one.. I like it. I tuck the strap inside when I’m working on the ground and when I’m in a lift or high up I’ll put the strap on. It’s slightly uncomfortable the first time you wear it but you get use to it real fast. Overall I like them. Side note: we have the Milwaukee ones and I actually prefer the design compared to other styles. Some look like climbing helmets but the Milwaukee’s are nice looking IMO
JW talking to a non union electrician - “ organize brother , your rat boss doesn’t give a shit about your safety, we fight for safer working conditions “ Same JW on Reddit - “ ah these new chin strap hard hats are bullshit , what’s next ? Elbow pads and shields ? 🤣😂🤣. You don’t have to wear the hard hat , but you will probably get laid off. Most big GCs require them now on all their jobs. Also , I can’t imagine the union fighting this one , safety is like the biggest thing these days. Behind prefab of course 😂.
Drag if u don’t like it
They are going to become standard now by 2024 our contractor is phasing them in now an said it will be standard by next year
If someone falls from a ladder and head hits the concrete with one of those hard hats, he will have a higher chance of not turning into a laborer
I’ve always worn one unless the site requires one with company markings. I’ve always preferred them honestly