The introduction of a new Volvo CE hard hat, to be offered with every new machine sold, is just one step in the company's major programme to improve work site safety.
Volvo Construction Equipment has commissioned head and face protection experts Peltor to develop an exclusive Volvo hard hat as part of its ongoing Safety Challenge 2006 initiative. The hats will be distributed with every new machine delivered from May to December 2006, and are set to become a familiar sight wherever Volvo equipment is working.
The Volvo Hard Hat uses an upgraded version of the industry leading Peltor G2000 Deluxe Hard Hat. Colored in Volvo's blue livery and with its `iron mark' logo on the front, the UV stabilized ABS plastic hat weighs only 365 g (12.9 oz.), allowing all-day ease of use. The hat has an ergonomically designed shell and suspension system that is both comfortable and provides over 40 mm of crown clearance between top of head and shell. This allows both the shell and the suspension to absorb energy (by deforming) in the case of a blow. The rear band also fits low on the neck to improve balance and fit.
One distinct difference with the Volvo Hard Hat is the fitment of integral safety glasses, which simply slide up between the head and shell when not required. This convenience will undoubtedly encourage wearers to use the glasses for typically short jobs where otherwise they may have considered getting out separate glasses was too much trouble. It is just this sort of short job where accidents can occur.
The Volvo Hard Hat can be fitted with a wide range of Peltor accessories, including adjustable ear muffs, with up to 34 dB noise reduction, which swing up and can be left on the back or top of the hat when not needed. Large mesh and plastic visors, rear rain guards and even communication systems are also available. Everything from passive headsets (that connect to cellular phones or communication radio) to ear muffs with integrated FM-radio or wireless communication solutions are available.
"Safety is one of Volvo's three core values, and offering a high quality hard hat is a good practical way to demonstrate that philosophy," says Klas Magnusson, who commissioned the Hard Hat project for Volvo. "Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces around - every year thousands worldwide are injured or killed while working with or around machinery. While most deaths are in developing countries, even the developed world's tough site legislation, site codes of practice and the latest in equipment safety devices can't prevent accidents from happening.
"So to address the issue of improving safety in and around construction equipment," Mr. Magnusson continues, "Volvo CE has devised a three pronged attack on dangerous practices - targeting People, Machines and the Workplace1. The Volvo Hard Hat will be the most visible embodiment of a much wider initiative to make the lives of site workers healthier and safer."
Volvo Hard Hats will also be available for purchase later this year - customers should contact their local dealer for more information.
Editors' note: Volvo CE has produced a booklet to accompany the Safety Challenge 2006 initiative, giving advice on how to create the right conditions for a safer work environment. You can obtain a copy by sending an e-mail to pressofficevce@volvo.com with your name and mail address. Please allow six weeks for delivery.
April 2006
For further information, please contact: Beatrice Cardon Volvo Construction Equipment Avenue du Hunderenveld 10 B-1082 Brussels, Belgium Tel: int + 32 2482 5021 Fax: int + 32 2675 1777 e.mail: beatrice.cardon@volvo.com
