For the vast majority of cases yes - on almost all construction sites the risks of head injury are such that the law requires head protection to be worn.
Construction work should be organised to minimise this risk, for example: preventing objects falling by using scaffolds with toe boards and, if necessary, brick guards. But if after organising work to minimise the risk of head injury, the risks still remain, you should:
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Ensure all workers are provided with, and wear, suitable head protection.
This is necessary to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 which, from 6 April applies to the provision and wearing of head protection on construction sites following the revocation of the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989.
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Does The Law Require Me To Use Head Protection
Are Safety Helmets Compulsory
If there is no risk of injury to the head, then hard hats are not required by law. However, on almost all construction sites, despite controls being put in place, there will almost always be situations where a risk of head injury remains. Where there are such risks, for example, from falling objects or hitting the head against something, suitable head protection should be provided and worn (except for turban-wearing Sikhs). Where turban-wearing Sikhs are working in areas where a significant residual risk of head injury remains, employers should pay particular attention to the control measures that they have in place.