Exciting news is on the horizon for the Sooner team. We’ve recently made a big change to keep our teams safe – we’ve upgraded our traditional hard hats to modern helmets. This move comes from the recent advice of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the group that helps keep workplaces safe.

But why the change, you may wonder?

In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that head injuries accounted for nearly 6% of non-fatal occupational injuries resulting in days away from work. Shockingly, almost half of these injuries occurred due to contact with objects or equipment, while approximately 20% were attributed to slips, trips, and falls. These sobering statistics underscored the urgent need for enhanced head protection measures in the workplace. 

Dating back to the 1960s, traditional hard hats have been the standard choice for head protection; however, they come with limitations. While they effectively safeguard the top of a worker’s head, they lack adequate side impact protection and chin straps. This leaves workers vulnerable to injury if they slip or trip, as traditional hard hats may easily fall off. Additionally, the lack of ventilation in traditional hard hats can lead to discomfort and heat-related issues for workers.

We decided to switch to these new safety helmets to better protect Sooner employees no matter where they’re working, whether it’s in an oil country tubular goods (OCTG) pipe yard or performing line pipe maintenance and inspections at a Sooner service center. 

Now, let’s explore the nitty-gritty of our new headgear.

These aren’t your typical hard hats – they’re like safety superheroes. They come with significant features like better protection from getting hit on the side, ventilation to keep cool, and extras like face shields to block things flying at you. Designed for both safety and comfort, Sooner team members can trust their headgear. By following OSHA’s advice and investing in these new helmets, Sooner is making sure we meet safety rules and showing we care about our team’s well-being.

As we embark on this journey towards enhanced workplace safety, let’s continue to prioritize the health and safety of every member of the Sooner team. Together, we can create a safer and more secure work environment for all.