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Safety Helmet Colours on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Enhancing Site Safety Through Clear Identification
The Safety Helmet Colours on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance on the standardised use of safety helmet colours to improve communication, identification, and safety awareness on highways and construction sites. Developed in line with Raising the Bar 31 (RTB31), this document aligns with UK health and safety regulations, including the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and HSE guidance on PPE in construction. It helps businesses implement a consistent colour-coding system to distinguish roles and responsibilities on-site, reducing confusion and improving safety.
Colour-coded safety helmets play a vital role in maintaining site safety, especially in dynamic, high-risk environments like live highways work zones. Helmets help workers quickly identify supervisors, operatives, visitors, and specific trades, enhancing communication and emergency response. This toolbox talk covers the standard helmet colour scheme adopted across UK construction and highways sites, including:
The document also explains the importance of helmet inspections, ensuring helmets are free from cracks, dents, or UV damage. Workers are reminded to adjust chin straps properly, replace damaged helmets immediately, and never alter or remove internal padding. In line with Raising the Bar 31, the toolbox talk highlights the importance of consistent colour use across all sites and contractors, helping to create a uniform, easily understood system that enhances safety communication.
Simplifying Toolbox Talk Creation with Our Online Generator
Our online document generator makes it easy to create customised toolbox talks like this one. By entering project-specific details, you can generate a professional, compliant document in minutes—ensuring consistent, high-quality safety communication across all highways projects.
Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/ppe.htm
