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In general industry, when must an employer make sure workers wear a protective helmet?

When objects could fall and hit the head.

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  1. Only when it is raining
  2. When there is a potential for falling objects ✔
  3. Only on the first day of work

Why: OSHA requires hard hats where there is a potential for head injury from falling objects. Near exposed electrical conductors, the helmet must also be designed to reduce shock hazard.

Huh, didn't know that: On construction sites, the head protection rule also lists flying objects and electrical shock and burns.

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Why did the hard hat go to school? It wanted to get ahead.
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References

Answer: When there is a potential for falling objects. OSHA requires hard hats where there is a potential for head injury from falling objects. Near exposed electrical conductors, the helmet must also be designed to reduce shock hazard.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.135 Head protection (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.135
    wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 29 CFR 1926.100 Head protection, construction (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.100
    possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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