Bump Caps vs Hard Hats

• Bump caps are ideal in situations where it is not required to

wear a hard hat, but injury could still occur. They are often
used in warehouses and food processing plants
• Hard hats offer more protection than bump caps. They have an
outer shell that is hard and durable to deflect potential head
blows. Inside, hard hats have a lining that is shock absorbing.
Also, some hard hats can provide protection from electric
shocks

• PPE is the last line of defence it

will only work if used - correctly
 Bump Caps vs Hard Hats
Bump Caps
• Lightweight - less stress on
the head, neck, and back
• Ventilation - allows for
greater air-flow than hard
hats
• Washable allowing for good
hygiene practices
• Low Cost
• Easy to get buy in from staff
Hard Hats
• Offers higher protection from
knocks and falling objects
• Can cause discomfort from
heat and sweat particularly in
humid conditions
• Need regular replacement
and can breakdown with
solvents
• Initial resistance
 Summary Assessment
SUMMARY ASSESSMENT
Use of hard hats / bump caps scenarios        
           
  Hazard Probability Controls Comments Recommendations
risk of falling object Low housekeeping  
design  
Office Areas / Laboratory         No head protection required
in office areas
hitting / striking head against Low housekeeping  
solid object design  
           
risk of falling object Low design  
Bump caps recommended
for employees
        Head protection not
necessary for delivery
Despatch / Receiving Area personnel as they are
isolated from activities
hitting / striking head against Low design  
solid object  
Truck drivers and delivery Low Isolation    
personnel Low Design    
           
risk of falling object Low Forklift cage hard hats have been
impractical to use on need to;
forklifts
         
hitting / striking head against Low design  
solid object ie forklift 1. establish if wide brim
bump hats available
Using Forklift         2. continue use of wide brim
hats if suitable bump hats
not available
Splash ie leaking drum Low PPE    
         
UV protection Medium PPE number of drivers use large
brimmed hats or base ball  
type hats
 Summary Assessment
risk of falling object Medium design  
    Housekeeping  
Warehouse         Bump caps
recommended
hitting / striking head Low design  
against solid object
           
risk of falling object Medium housekeeping  
design  
       
hitting / striking head Low housekeeping  
against solid object design  
Bump Caps
Plant Areas         recommended for
Splashs and Spills Medium housekeeping Caps and Helmets will normal operations
reduce risk of splash of
above
    design  
       
Loading r/ms Low    
           
risk of falling object High Isolation  
Construction / Major hitting / striking head JSA  
repairs / Abnormal against solid object Hard Hats recommended
conditions   Permit to work  
  Supervision  
    Low design    
           
risk of falling object Low Isolation   Hard Hats recommended
to highlight to site
operational staff that are
Visitors / Office bound visitors onsite and more
staff care required.
hitting / striking head   Supervision All visitors accompanied Nuplex office staff to
against solid object by Nuplex person wear helmet as well
when visiting plants
 Recommendations
• Bump caps be given consideration for most
operational conditions
• Hard hats be used when identified as necessary
to reduce risk and protect health
• Visitors on tour through site must were hard hats
• Office bound staff visiting plant must were hard
hats
• Head Protection not necessary when walking
from main office to canteen when using the
dedicated walkway