Redwings Highlights the Importance of Protective Headwear

Last week, Redwings Horse Sanctuary released an important article that highlights the importance of protective headwear for those handling horses and ponies. Redwings highlighted that those working around their centres wear hard hats not only whilst handling or riding, but whilst going about their daily tasks such as poo picking fields or distributing forage.

David Cameron, the Health and Safety Manager at Redwings shared his view on why hats should be a central part of daily uniform for working around equines.

“The Health & Safety Team at Redwings are very aware of the risks involved when interacting with any horse and our job involves assessing risk with our teams and to develop safe systems of working while achieving high standards of horse care.

A situation I witnessed when joining Redwings some 21 years ago left a lasting impression me. Our team was involved in the round-up of over 70 horses when a small stallion broke loose, ran towards and then over one of our horse handlers. Thankfully, as he was wearing his hard hat, he sustained a severe headache rather than a fractured skull (or worse!).

I wish I could say instances such as this were one-offs, but there have sadly been too many examples in the news in recent years of similar incidences happening in much more conventional or domestic settings – and with well-known horses – where head protection had not been a priority.”

Wearing hard hats should become standard practice for those working around equines, and not just at times where they may be leading or riding them. Hard hats are an essential piece of personal protective equipment and can be the “last line of defence” in control measures. It may not prevent an accident occurring would likely reduce the severity any head injury should an accident occur.

Over the years, hat manufacturers have made huge strides in harnessing technology to bring every equestrian a choice of variously shaped and sized, comfortable, lightweight and smart headwear.

To test their ingenuity still further, these manufacturers must also design and produce hats that meet the various safety standards, each of which requires specific protective features at certain points. This is why some designs appear more traditional, while others are constrained by the standard to which they comply.

Hat standards change regularly, and anyone who’s considering buying a new riding hat (it’s never a good idea to purchase or borrow a second-hand one with an unknown history) should visit a BETA-trained retailer for a free, personalised hat fitting, plus all the advice and information you need to choose the most suitable hat to match your needs and budget.