Loophole safety helmet

Have you ever wondered why a hard hat is required and what happens if it has a hole? If it doesn't fully protect against rain, how can it safeguard your head from falling objects at height? Isn’t that making the helmet "unsafe"?

Recently, when visiting a construction site, I noticed the slogan “With a safety helmet, safety depends on safety nets, and safety is dependent.” It's clear that safety helmets, safety nets, and seat belts are central to site management. However, what I witnessed on-site made me reflect deeply.

A worker was carrying a watermelon while wearing a safety helmet with a noticeable hole. Since summer began, some workers have been opening up their helmets, claiming it’s more comfortable. During lunch breaks, many ate watermelons on the site, sometimes placing them on their helmets. One of the helmets had a large gap. I approached the worker and asked, “If your helmet has a hole, aren’t you worried about something falling on your head?” He smiled and said, “It’s cooler,” as he held the watermelon rind. “You see, the helmet is just for show. When there’s no chair, it can even be used as a bench.”

Several workers told me that they wear helmets not out of concern for safety, but to avoid being fined by the security department. If they don’t wear one, the boss wouldn’t care. In fact, the helmet with the hole had been damaged last year during construction. It’s clear that in some sites, wearing a helmet is more about avoiding fines than actual safety. This situation shows a serious lack of awareness and responsibility.

Although relevant authorities have repeatedly emphasized personal safety, some construction sites still force workers to buy cheap, low-quality helmets to cut costs. Some even use them as decorations or makeshift furniture. The China Labor Safety Network reminds everyone that the safety of the head must never be compromised. We hope that administrative departments will strengthen market regulation and ensure strict oversight over the production, sale, and use of safety equipment. It’s essential to check whether workers are properly using the required protective gear.

[Editor Chen Jia, China Labor Safety Network]

This site solemnly declares: This article is an original piece for the website. If you wish to reprint it, please indicate the source!