Hard Hats
Why Have Hard Hat Colours Changed?
In April 2016, a new hard hat colour-coding system was introduced across the UK construction industry.
The purpose of this system is simple: to clearly identify people on site by their role and safety qualifications. By using consistent colours nationwide, workers can instantly recognise who is responsible for what – helping to reduce risk and improve site safety.
This standard applies across Britain, meaning no matter where you are, the colour of a hard hat tells you who does what.
Note: These changes apply to hard hats only.
Bump caps are not included in this colour coding system
Improving Safety on Site
The colour-coding system helps to:
- Identify experience and authority at a glance
- Quickly locate trained personnel in an emergency
- Reduce on-site confusion and risk
- Support safer working practices
To further improve visibility:
- First Aiders and Fire Marshals are identified by stickers on their helmets.
This also means that green and yellow hard hats are no longer used on the highway.
Black – Supervisor.
Black hard hats are worn by supervisors or foremen.
If you need guidance, support, or have a problem on site, these are the people to speak to. They’re responsible for overseeing work and ensuring standards are met.
Orange – Slinger / Signaller.
Orange hard hats identify those trained to sling loads and signal to crane operators.This is a specialist role requiring skill, precision, and formal training to ensure loads are lifted safely and correctly. While these individuals may also have a trade, the orange helmet indicates they are authorised to sling and signal.
White – Site Manager / Competent Operative / Vehicle Marshal
White hard hats are worn by:
- Site Managers (the person in charge of the site)
- Competent Operatives (skilled, qualified workers)
- Vehicle Marshals (usually also wearing clearly marked hi-vis clothing)
Although several roles wear white, site managers are typically easy to distinguish by their overall role and responsibilities.
Blue – Inexperienced Person / Visitor
Blue hard hats are worn by those who should not be working unsupervised, including:
- Apprentices
- Visitors
- New or inexperienced workers
- Architects or other non-site trades
If you see someone in a blue helmet working alone or in an unsafe situation, inform a supervisor (black helmet)immediately.
Red Sticker – Fire Marshal
Fire Marshals wear a hard hat with a red fire marshal sticker.
In the event of an emergency evacuation, these are the people responsible for directing others safely. This is a critical role requiring training and clear authority — always follow their instructions.
Green Sticker – First Aider.
First Aiders are identified by a green first aid sticker on their hard hat.
n the event of an injury or accident, locating a first aider quickly is essential. The sticker allows them to be easily recognised when time matters most.
In Summary
This industry-wide hard hat colour system:
Improves safety
- Reduces confusion
- Makes responsibilities clear
- Helps everyone go home safe
See the colour. Know the role. Work safely
