Hard hats must provide protection from which of the following hazards?

Hard hats are designed primarily to protect workers from falling objects and electrical hazards. The structure of a hard hat, with its rigid outer shell and inner foam lining, absorbs and dissipates the force from impacts, particularly from items that may fall from above, which is crucial in construction and industrial environments. Additionally, hard hats often incorporate features that provide insulation against electrical hazards, safeguarding against accidental electrical contact, which can be lethal.

While excessive heat and cold can affect worker safety and potentially be addressed by other types of personal protective equipment, this is not the primary purpose of a hard hat. Radiation exposure typically requires specialized protective gear, different from standard hard hats. Heavy machinery is relevant in work environments but hard hats specifically target the risks associated with falling objects and electrical dangers.