Every year, workers suffer thousands of workplace head injuries in the UK, many of them preventable. Whether it’s minor concussions or life-altering brain trauma, the risks are especially high in industries like construction, manufacturing and logistics.
The 9th of June marks the start of Hard Hat Awareness Week 2025 in the UK and is a timely reminder of how critical proper head protection is. Yet despite safety laws, many helmets are still poorly fitted, damaged or out of date in workplaces.
But how can things change? In this guide, we’ll walk you through some key head injury prevention construction UK tips, what to do after a head injury, and how to protect your legal rights if you’ve been hurt at work. It doesn’t matter if you’re an injured worker or a concerned family member, Express Solicitors can give you clear answers and expert support.
Top prevention strategies for on-site head injuries
When it comes to workplace head injuries in the UK, prevention always starts with protection. Helmets aren’t just a tick-box item, they’re your first and last line of defence against serious trauma. Whether you’re working at height, near moving machinery or around electrical risks, having the right kit and relevant training makes all the difference. We’ve put together some helmet safety tips for UK use that could save your life.
Choosing the right helmet
In the UK, safety helmets have to meet some specific standards depending on your type of work:
- BS EN 397 — This is the basic industrial safety helmet and protects against vertical impact.
- BS EN 12492 — This helmet is designed for climbing and includes a chinstrap and side protection.
- MIPS technology — This helmet adds rotational impact protection.
You should have a helmet that suits your job. Shell composition, ventilation and comfort all affect wearability, especially in hot or confined conditions. And if you’re working at height or around live wires, you’ll need specialist protection rated for those specific hazards.
Ensuring proper fit & maintenance
A helmet won’t do its job if it doesn’t fit properly. Follow these tips for choosing the correct fit:
- Use the two-finger rule between your eyebrows and helmet brim.
- Adjust the headband and chinstrap so the helmet sits snug and secure.
- Avoid loose straps, or your helmet could shift during impact.
Helmets need daily care, so be sure to clean off dust and sweat, store them away from sunlight and heat and be aware that long exposure to UV or chemicals can weaken them and put you at risk.
Routine inspection & timely replacement
Before every shift, check your helmet for:
- Cracks or dents
- Faded colour or brittle texture
- Worn straps or loose padding
Even if it looks fine, manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 2–5 years or sooner if it’s been struck or exposed to harsh conditions.
Understanding rotational vs. linear impact protection
While you might assume hard hats protect against all head injuries, not all impacts are the same – and not all helmets offer the same level of protection. To understand why this matters, you need to know the difference between linear and rotational forces.
Linear impacts come from a straight blow, like something falling directly on your head. Rotational forces happen when your head is struck at an angle, causing it to twist. These twisting motions are far more likely to cause serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions.
How linear impact is tested (BS EN 397)
The BS EN 397 standard checks helmets using vertical drop tests. A weight is dropped onto the crown of the helmet to measure its resistance to impact and penetration. While this protects against some common injuries, it doesn’t assess how helmets perform during angled or side-on blows, which are just as dangerous.
Why rotational forces increase TBI risk
When your head twists rapidly during an impact, like from a fall, swinging load or side collision, the brain can stretch and tear. This can lead to serious injuries like diffuse axonal injury, concussion or even chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) over time. These injuries often go unnoticed at first, which make them especially dangerous.
Upgraded helmet technologies for rotational safety
Some helmets now include systems like MIPS (Multi-directional impact protection system), which let the helmet shell move slightly during angled impacts. This helps reduce the rotational energy passed to your brain.
Right now, there’s no UK regulation requiring this technology, so it’s up to your employer to choose safer options. Always check product labels and specs when selecting your helmet.
Recognising & reporting workplace head injuries
Spotting a head injury early can help prevent long-term damage. But on busy worksites, symptoms can often go unnoticed or dismissed. Whether it’s a mild bump or a serious blow, knowing how to respond could protect your health, your job and your rights:
Early symptoms of concussion & TBI
Head injuries aren’t always visible. You need to watch out for:
- Nausea or dizziness
- Disorientation or memory lapses
- Ringing in your ears
- Headaches that worsen over time
Even minor symptoms could signal something very serious. On-site first aiders should carry out a neurological check using tools like the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive). And if they have any doubt, you should get medical help immediately.
Stop work, seek medical attention & report
Hard Hat Awareness Week’s key message is clear: ‘Stop Work, Report, Recover’. These are three steps to take after a head injury:
- Stop work immediately
- Alert a supervisor or first aider
- Record the event in the site log or accident book
Don’t try to push through. You’re entitled to leave the site safely and seek medical attention. This protects not just your health, but your legal rights too.
Accurate RIDDOR reporting for head injuries
Under the law, certain injuries must be reported using RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). This is how to make sure a head injury is reported correctly:
- The appropriate category must be filled in. E.g. ‘head trauma’ instead of fall or slip.
- A full incident description must be filled out.
- The affected area on the body diagram section must be filled out.
Incorrect or vague reports can affect both treatment and legal claims later.
Evidence collection & record-keeping
If you’re well enough, gather the following evidence:
- Take photos of your helmet, the site, weather or hazards.
- Get contact details for witnesses.
- Keep medical records and copies of incident reports.
- Save emails or messages from your employer about the incident.
This evidence can be vital if you decide to claim compensation later on.
Legal rights & compensation after a construction head injury
If you’ve suffered a head injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation – even if the incident seemed minor at first. UK law is clear: employers have a legal duty of care to protect workers from harm. That includes providing and maintaining proper PPE, carrying out risk assessments and offering training on how to stay safe. When they fail to meet these standards, it’s classed as negligence – and you could have a strong case for a compensation claim.
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, your employer must provide safety helmets that meet industry standards, replace them when damaged or expired and train staff on correct usage and fit. If they don’t and you were injured as a result, you may be able to claim.
To build a case, we’ll help you gather evidence like:
- Helmet inspection logs
- Photos of your injuries or damaged PPE
- Risk assessments (RAMS)
- GP or hospital records
The more detail you can give our experts at Express Solicitors, the more likely we’ll be able to build you a successful case.
Typical compensation brackets
If you’re thinking about making a head injury claim, the amount of compensation will depend on how serious your injury is, how it affects your life and any costs you’ve had to cover because of it. Payouts will be split between general damages, which cover the pain and suffering of your injury, and special damages, which cover the financial implications.
Here’s a rough guide to typical general damage payouts for construction head injury compensation in the UK:
Mild concussion: £5,000 – £15,000
These typically involve short-term symptoms like headaches, nausea or memory issues that resolve within a few weeks or months.
Moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI): £75,000+
These usually come with long-lasting effects like ongoing dizziness, memory loss, mood changes or reduced work capacity.
Severe permanent brain injury: £150,000+
Life-altering damage including loss of independence, the need for 24-hour care, or inability to work.
For a good idea of your general damages, use our helpful compensation calculator.
Why choose Express Solicitors?
At Express Solicitors, we’re experts in head and brain injury claims and we fight to get the best outcome for every client we handle. And with our no-win, no-fee approach, you won’t pay us unless your case is successful, meaning there’s nothing to pay upfront.
Get in touch with us to talk to a workplace brain injury solicitor in the UK today.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hard Hat Awareness Week 2025?
Hard Hat Awareness Week 2025 starts 9th June and ends 15th June.
What are common head injuries on-site?
Concussion, skull fractures, brain bleeds and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
How often should I replace my helmet?
Every 2–5 years, or sooner if it’s damaged or exposed to harsh conditions.
What is RIDDOR and how do I use it?
RIDDOR is the law for reporting workplace injuries. Employers must record head injuries correctly using official classifications.
Can I claim if I was wearing a faulty helmet?
If your employer failed to maintain or replace a faulty helmet, they may be liable.
What’s the difference between rotational and linear protection?
Linear protection guards against direct impact, whereas rotational protection reduces twisting forces that cause serious brain injuries.