The Importance of Reliable Head Protection on Construction Sites [1]
The February 2019 AGC Houston [9] Safety Committee meeting breakfast was sponsored by United Tool and Fastener [10], and featured presentations by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Masson, Dan Gilbane of Gilbane Construction [11], and Jason Cashmore of Kask (safety helmets). [12]
This month, one of the featured topics was “All Things Hard Hats”. Presenters included Jason Cashmore of Kask [12], Chris Lohman of Pyramex [13], and Ryan Falterman of MSA [14].
Jason Cashmore explained to attendees the many unique features of Kask safety helmets [12] and what made them different and exclusive in comparison to their competitors.
According to Cashmore, 25% of construction fatalities occur from traumatic brain injuries (or TBIs), and most of these injuries on a jobsite occur from safety helmets coming off. Once the safety helmet comes off, there is no head protection, and injuries occur. Therefore, Kask safety helmets [12] come with chin straps that keep the helmet on the wearer’s head and in helmets that come in several sizes.
“Furthermore, another difference in Kask safety helmets is the energy-absorbing foam. No matter where you are hit, the shock of the impact is absorbed,” explained Cashmore.
Following the indoor presentations was a dummy drop outside by UTF Safety Specialist, Charlie Gertson [15]. Gertson dropped the dummy wearing a Kask safety hat [12] and a competitor’s safety hat (each without chin straps). Onlookers were able to see how when the dummy wearing the Kask safety helmet was dropped, the hat did not come off-even without the chin strap attached. However, when the dummy was dropped with a competitor’s safety hat on, the hat was propelled off the dummy at the bottom of the fall.
“So, you can see the added safety benefit of wearing the Kask helmet; it doesn’t come off even without the chin strap,” Gertson said.
To buy or learn more about Kask safety helmets [12], please contact the UTF Houston showroom at 713-692-2323 [16]; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665 [17]; or in College Station at 979-731-8665 [18]; or contact UTF Safety Specialist, Charlie Gertson [15] at 713-823-9016 or charlie@unitedtoolandfastener.com.