A feasibility study of introducing chin straps of safety helmets as a statutory requirement in Hong Kong construction industry

Safety helmets contribute to the protection of head and wearing it is a statutory requirement in Hong Kong construction sites. However, there is a lack of secured system between the helmet and head which caused rolling off of helmet in few circumstances. A chin strap has a design function that secures the head and helmet in order to prevent it from rolling off. This paper aims to identify the current usage, safety performance and negative impact of using chin straps on safety helmets in the Hong Kong construction industry. It is found that effectively using chin straps can secure the helmets onto head and prevent it from rolling off. However, retractable chin straps brought greater discomfort to the workers than adjustable chin straps. It is also figured out when workers did not wear chin straps, there are few circumstances that will cause the helmets to roll off such as heading up/down, windy condition and slight impact. The most significant finding is that there is inadequate knowledge and cognition for workers who did not wear chin straps. It is thus necessary for the relevant government departments to revise the statutory requirements on safety helmets. Construction companies should also encourage the workers to use chin straps so that the safety performance of construction industry can be improved.