Habit, Not Force: How Wearing a Helmet Becomes Second Nature for Your Employees.
Many of you know the situation: The protective equipment is there, but no one wants to wear it. The lack of acceptance is a real problem in many companies. We'll tell you what all this has to do with daily dental care and show you how wearing a helmet can become a self-evident routine. 👇
Why Helmets Often Aren't Worn
While no one would deny that a helmet effectively protects the head from impact or falling objects, why do some people resist wearing head protection?
People may avoid personal protective equipment for various reasons. Beyond convenience and carelessness, there can be a feeling of seeming less "cool" or showing fear when wearing PPE, especially when it's highly visible on the head.
How to Improve PPE Acceptance
PPE is more readily accepted when the end users are involved in the selection process. Protective equipment must always be tailored not only to the hazard but also to the individuals who use it.
This also applies to safety helmets. Relevant criteria include a helmet's fit, size, and weight, in addition to its protective function. Options for additional features can also be crucial.
Comfort Is Key
With a safety helmet, wearing comfort is a decisive factor for acceptance. Does the helmet pinch or cause itching? Does it lead to heat buildup in the summer and excessive sweating? Or does your head freeze in the winter because a regular beanie doesn't fit underneath?
These are all individually understandable reasons for not wanting to wear a helmet. However, in such cases, the problem is not usually the person wearing the helmet but the choice of an unsuitable helmet model.
High-quality helmets like the VERTEX- and STRATO- models from Petzl can not only be individually adjusted and designed but are also available with ventilation. Depending on the weather and temperature, they can be combined with either breathable liners (LINER model) or beanies that protect against wind and cold (BEANIE model).
Absorbent and washable foam padding for the inner shell, as well as additional padding for the headband, create a comfortable feel without pressure points. This eliminates any excuses regarding comfort.
The Role of Leadership in Wearing Acceptance
To learn what you, as a manager, safety specialist, or safety officer, can do to increase wearing acceptance in your company, please read the full article on petzl.com.Â
 CLICK HERE to read the full article
Conclusion: If You Wear the Right Helmet, You'll Wear It Willingly
It's clear that a high-quality, comfortable safety helmet tailored to individual needs is preferred over a standard off-the-shelf one. When managers and supervisors take their employees' needs seriously, everyone will find a helmet that is perfectly suited for them, their workplace, and their individual tasks. Then wearing it becomes easy and a routine, just like brushing your teeth in the morning.
