If you work on-site, you know how quickly accidents can happen. During Hard Hat Awareness Week, it’s a timely reminder of why head protection matters, and what can go wrong when it’s missing or faulty.
A simple knock can lead to concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or in the worst cases, fatalities. We’ll walk you through workplace head injuries in the UK. You’ll learn how to prevent them, what to do if one happens, and your legal rights if your employer has let you down.
Protecting your head: on-site safety strategies
Wearing a helmet is one thing, but making sure it actually protects you is another. Follow these helmet safety tips in the UK to ensure your head protection offers the maximum level of safety.
Choosing the right helmet
In the UK, safety helmets must meet certain standards. Here’s what to look for:
- BS EN 397: The basic standard for industrial safety helmets and protects against falling objects and vertical impacts.
- BS EN 12492: Designed for climbing and work at height. These helmets offer better protection against side impacts and often include secure chinstraps.
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): A newer technology that helps reduce rotational forces, which can cause serious brain injuries. Helmets with MIPS offer extra protection, especially in high-risk environments.
When choosing a helmet, consider:
- Shell composition: Polycarbonate or fibreglass shells are lightweight yet strong.
- Impact rating: Ensure it’s certified for the tasks you’re doing.
- Ventilation: Essential for comfort, especially in warm or confined spaces.
- Comfort and fit: A helmet that’s uncomfortable is less likely to be worn correctly.
Ensuring proper fit & maintenance
A well-fitted helmet reduces the risk of injury significantly.
- Use the two-finger rule: There should be just enough space for two fingers between your eyebrows and the helmet rim.
- Adjust the headband and chinstrap so the helmet sits snugly without slipping.
- A secure fit helps prevent dangerous rotational movement during impact.
- Wipe your helmet clean each day to remove dirt, sweat and site contaminants.
- Store it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Sweat, sun and chemicals degrade helmet materials.
Routine inspection & timely replacement
Regular checks can spot damage before it becomes dangerous:
- Look for cracks, dents, worn linings and UV damage.
- Follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance — usually every 2 to 5 years.
- Remember: prior impacts, extreme weather, or exposure to site chemicals can shorten a helmet’s lifespan.
The difference between rotational and linear head impact protection
Understanding the difference between linear and rotational forces helps explain why certain helmets offer better protection, especially in industries where falls, swinging loads, or side impacts are common.
How linear impact is tested (BS EN 397)
The BS EN 397 standard tests helmets by dropping a weight vertically onto the crown. This measures how well the helmet absorbs straight-down (linear) impacts, like falling objects.
However, this test doesn’t assess side, angled or rotational impacts, which are the type often seen when workers trip, fall, or are struck from the side.
Why rotational forces increase TBI risk
Rotational forces occur when your head twists or jerks suddenly, like falling from height or being hit by moving equipment. They damage brain tissue, causing serious conditions like:
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Long-term cognitive impairment
Upgraded helmet technologies for rotational safety
Newer helmets with MIPS and similar systems add a low-friction layer that allows the helmet to slightly rotate on impact, helping to reduce rotational energy reaching your brain.
Because UK regulations don’t yet require rotational testing, it’s often up to you or your employer to proactively choose helmets offering this extra protection. Always check product specs for these technologies before purchase.
What to do if you experience a head injury on-site
Even a small knock to the head can have serious consequences. Here’s how to spot the signs, report the incident correctly, and gather the right evidence.
Early symptoms of concussion & TBI
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours later. Watch for:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Disorientation or confusion
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Memory gaps or trouble concentrating
Even if symptoms seem mild, they can signal more serious brain trauma. Use simple checks like the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) to assess consciousness.
Stop work, seek medical attention & report
Knowing how to report a head injury at work correctly is just as important as seeking medical attention. Accurate reporting helps protect your health, legal rights and future compensation options. As Hard Hat Awareness Week UK reminds us: Stop Work, Report, Recover.
- Stop work immediately — don’t try to push through.
- Notify your supervisor and call a trained first aider.
- Make sure the incident is properly documented before you leave the site.
Accurate RIDDOR reporting for head injuries
Reliable RIDDOR head injury reporting is essential to ensure your injury is properly documented and investigated under UK law. Under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), employers must report serious head injuries correctly.
Common reporting mistakes include misclassifying head injuries as slips, faints or minor incidents. Always:
- Use the correct injury classification (e.g. ‘head trauma’)
- Include a full description in the incident report
- Complete the body diagram section accurately
Evidence collection & record-keeping
Gather as much evidence as possible:
- Photographs: helmet damage, worksite conditions, weather
- Witness details: names and contact info
- Documents: incident reports, risk assessments (RAMS), medical notes
- RIDDOR paperwork: keep a copy of the full report
- Employer correspondence: emails, letters or meeting notes about the incident
Understanding your legal rights and compensation options
Workplace accidents remain a serious issue. If your employer fails in their duty of care, resulting in a head injury, they may be legally negligent and responsible for it.
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must:
- Provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ensure helmets are properly maintained and replaced when needed
- Train staff on correct helmet use and safety protocols
Establishing negligence & gathering evidence
- Allowing workers to use expired or damaged helmets
- Failing to provide proper training on PPE
- Not replacing helmets after impacts or excessive wear
To prove negligence, you’ll need evidence like:
- Helmet inspection and maintenance logs
- Risk assessments (RAMS)
- Photos of the worksite and equipment
- GP or hospital records showing the extent of your injury
Typical compensation brackets
When pursuing construction head injury compensation in the UK, these figures can give a sense of what might be awarded depending on severity.
- Mild concussion: £5,000 – £15,000
- Moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI): £75,000+
- Severe permanent brain injury: £150,000+
Compensation can cover:
- General damages: for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Special damages: for loss of earnings, medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Care costs: for long-term support needs
Why choose Injury Lawyers 4u
We’re here to help. At Injury Lawyers 4u, our expert solicitors specialise in brain and head injury claims.
We offer no-win, no-fee agreements and free initial consultations, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. With years of experience handling high-value claims, we’ll fight to secure the compensation and care you deserve.
Talk to a workplace brain injury solicitor in the UK today.
FAQs
When is Hard Hat Awareness Week?
It typically runs from 9–15 June, raising awareness about head protection and workplace safety across the UK.
What are common head injuries on-site?
Concussion, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and diffuse axonal injuries caused by falls, falling objects or moving machinery.
How often should I replace my helmet?
Follow manufacturer guidelines: typically every 2–5 years, or sooner if damaged by impact, chemicals, sunlight or extreme weather.
What is RIDDOR and how do I use it?
RIDDOR is the UK’s system for reporting workplace injuries. Employers must submit accurate reports detailing head injuries, causes and severity.
Can I claim if I was wearing a faulty helmet?
Yes. If your employer provided unsafe equipment or failed to maintain it, you may still have a valid compensation claim.
What’s the difference between rotational and linear protection?
Linear protects against vertical impacts. Rotational minimises twisting forces that damage brain tissue. MIPS helmets offer additional rotational protection.