Work-related accidents can happen in any occupation. However, construction is by far the most dangerous industry in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, more than 4,800 workers died on the job in 2014.
Construction companies are required by law to provide workers with the necessary safety equipment. This may include boots, eye protection, gloves and other protective gear. One of the most common and essential pieces of safety equipment is the hard hat.
Hard hats can protect workers from life-threatening injuries. As OSHA explains, hard hats can prevent wounds from falling objects and materials, exposed electrical wires, and heavy machinery.
Unfortunately, proper safety equipment will not make construction workers immune to all accidents. If you or a loved one was injured on the job in South Carolina, contact the Hammack Law Firm.
Paul Hammack is a Greenville personal-injury lawyer who understands the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue and deny claims, and he knows how to find success in court. Call (864) 766-7108 to schedule a free case evaluation.
When Is It Mandatory for Workers to Wear Hard Hats?
There are two standards that outline the mandatory use of hard hats: the construction sector standard (29 CFR 1926.100) and the general industry standard (29 CFR 1910.135). Hard hats are compulsory whenever workers are at risk of head injuries from:
- Fixed structures such as supports, beams and other building equipment;
- Electric shocks;
- Or falling objects, tools or other debris.
Type 1 and Type II Hard Hats
Type I hard hats protect the top of the head only. They are common on worksites in the United States. Construction companies in Europe tend to use Type II hard hats, which protect the top and sides of the head.
Electrical Classes and Hard Hat Types
Hard hats are often associated with falling debris and materials, but they also protect workers from electric shock. There are three categories that identify a hard hat’s effectiveness against electrocution:
- Conducive (Class C) hard hats do not offer electrical protection;
- Electrical (Class E) hard hats offer protection up to 20,000 volts;
- And General (Class G) hard hats offer protection for 2,200 volts.
If you were injured on a construction site in South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills and other damages. Unfortunately, making a workers’ compensation claim is often an uphill legal battle. Contact workers compensation attorney today for free consultation.
Sometimes employers argue that workers do not require compensation. The insurance company may also deny or undervalue your claim. This is where a personal-injury lawyer may be able to help.
A South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney from the Hammack Law Firm can evaluate your case and represent your interests. We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to undervalue or deny claims, and we know how to find success in court.
With over 25 years of legal experience, Paul Hammack provides his clients with a level of trial expertise and strategic insight rarely found in personal injury litigation. Having spent the first eight years of his career working within major insurance defense firms across Georgia and South Carolina, Paul gained an intimate understanding of the “other side’s” playbook. This insurance industry background serves as a unique differentiator for his clients; he knows exactly how insurance carriers evaluate risk and what motivates them to pay top dollar for a claim.
In 2008, Paul founded Hammack Law Firm to move away from the “plaintiff mill” model and focus on building personal relationships with those he represents. As a seasoned litigator, he has tried dozens of first-chair cases to verdict, specializing in high-stakes litigation involving catastrophic injuries and complex truck accidents. His dual-state practice allows him to provide aggressive representation across both South Carolina and Georgia, ensuring victims of negligence receive the maximum financial compensation possible regardless of which side of the state line the accident occurred.
Paul’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his record of significant achievements, including a $10 million tractor-trailer wrongful death settlement and a $3.9 million moped-versus-truck recovery. His credentials and bar admissions in both South Carolina and Georgia underscore his deep roots in the regional legal community. Beyond the courtroom, Paul is a dedicated advocate for his local community, contributing his time and resources to organizations such as the United Way, Red Cross, and Hands On Greenville, all while working to make South Carolina a safer place for everyone.
