Cowboy hard hats are not OSHA approved, because OSHA does not approve or certify any hard hat. OSHA requires head protection that meets the ANSI Z89.1 standard (or is shown to be equally effective), and cowboy hard hats certified to that standard are compliant, which is why sellers describe them as “OSHA approved.”
So the real question is whether a particular cowboy hard hat meets ANSI Z89.1, and whether it has the rating your job requires. Here is how to tell.
What the OSHA rules say
Two OSHA regulations cover hard hats for most workers:
- 29 CFR 1910.135 for general industry, which includes agriculture-related operations, manufacturing, warehousing and oil and gas production.
- 29 CFR 1926.100 for construction.
Both say the same thing in practice. Employers must make sure workers wear protective helmets where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock and burns. The helmets must meet ANSI Z89.1-2009, Z89.1-2003 or Z89.1-1997, or the employer must show they are equally effective. Hard hats certified to the newer 2014 edition of the standard meet the requirement too.
Nothing in either rule mentions the shape of the hat. A western-style shell is just as acceptable to OSHA as a dome, provided it is certified.
What “OSHA approved” means on cowboy hard hats listings
When a retailer calls a cowboy hard hat “OSHA approved” or “OSHA compliant,” it should mean the hat is certified to ANSI Z89.1. The listing should also state the Type (I or II) and Class (G, E or C). If a listing says “OSHA approved” but gives no ANSI designation, Type or Class, treat the claim with suspicion. Novelty western hard hats are sold with the same wording.
How to check your cowboy hard hat
Look inside the shell. ANSI Z89.1 requires each hard hat to be marked with:
| Marking | Example |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s name or mark | The brand name or logo |
| Date of manufacture | A date dial or stamp, often month and year |
| Standard | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 |
| Type | Type I |
| Class | Class E |
| Head size range | 6½ to 8 |
The suspension carries its own markings too. If any of the shell markings are missing, the hat should not be used as head protection.
Why your employer may still say no
OSHA sets the minimum. Your employer must assess the hazards on the job and choose protection to match, and many go further than OSHA requires:
- Type II policies. Some companies and general contractors require Type II helmets, which protect against side impacts. Almost all cowboy hard hats are Type I.
- Electrical work. Work near energized conductors calls for a Class E hat. A Class G or vented Class C cowboy hard hat would not qualify.
- Accessories. If the job requires earmuffs or a face shield attached to the hat, a model without accessory slots will not work.
- Company issue. Some employers issue a specific hat in a specific color for every worker.
We cover the construction side of this in can you wear a cowboy hard hat on a construction site?
When a cowboy hard hat is not compliant
- It has no ANSI label, or the label is unreadable.
- It is Class C (or vented) and you work near electrical hazards.
- The shell has been drilled, painted with solvents or covered in stickers in a way the manufacturer does not allow.
- It is past the manufacturer’s service life, or the shell is cracked, dented, chalky or faded.
- The suspension is missing, broken or from a different hat.
The short version
A cowboy hard hat with an ANSI Z89.1 label, the right Type and Class for your work, and an intact suspension meets OSHA’s requirement. Whether you can wear it on a given job is up to your employer and the site. To decode the Type and Class markings, read cowboy hard hat ANSI ratings explained, or see what a cowboy hard hat is if you are new to them.
Sources
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135, Head protection
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100, Head protection (construction)
- International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA Z89.1)
Frequently asked questions
Does OSHA approve cowboy hard hats?
No. OSHA does not approve or certify any hard hat. It requires head protection that meets ANSI Z89.1, and cowboy hard hats certified to that standard meet the OSHA requirement.
Which OSHA rules cover hard hats?
29 CFR 1910.135 covers general industry and 29 CFR 1926.100 covers construction. Both require protective helmets that meet ANSI Z89.1 where there is a risk of head injury.
How do I know if my cowboy hard hat is compliant?
Check inside the shell for the manufacturer, date of manufacture, ANSI Z89.1 designation, Type, Class and head size range. If those markings are missing, it is not certified head protection.
Can my employer ban cowboy hard hats even if they meet ANSI?
Yes. OSHA sets the minimum, and employers can require a specific Type, Class, color or model based on their hazard assessment.