The United Nations decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day. Whether for leisure time or team building or home-to-work journeys, there is a genuine culture of cycling at EverZinc...
Why Wear Bike Helmets
The United Nations decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day. Regular physical activity of moderate intensity has significant benefits for health. Riding a bike is also an environment friendly way to move. Whether for leisure time or team building or home-to-work journeys, there is a genuine culture of cycling at EverZinc. Here are a few safety tips about wearing a bike helmet that could be useful for anyone.
Many of us reading this may or may not wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. There have been studies that show protective helmet gear can significantly reduce the risk of head and brain injuries.
‘If we know helmets can prevent injuries and save lives, why do we continue to accept this risk and not wear one? One of our employees and I were discussing bicycle riding the other day. He told me about a situation that happened while he was out riding his bicycle. He came across a young lady who fell off her bicycle and was unconscious. He signaled for someone to get help (call 911) and tried to provide first aid while he waited for medical professionals to arrive. While he was helping her and waiting for the medical professionals to arrive, he noticed she had a new bicycle, new bike clothes, and new bike shoes - but she was missing her helmet. When the medical professionals arrived, the team tried to help her, however there was nothing they could do, and he watched her take her last breath’, tells Amanda Langston, EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) Director at EverZinc.
She pursues: ‘During the summer months there are lots of fun activities, swimming, cycling, hiking, boating, driving ATV (four wheelers), rock climbing, floating down the river, the list can go on and on. All these activities have safety protection and devices. It is important that we understand the safety procedures in all the activities that we do, and to ensure we use them for our safety, our families safety, and friends safety. A fun family outing can quickly become devastating and life alternating.
Summer adventures should make enjoyable memories not heart breaking and life alerting events.’
Remember Safety must be in everything we do at work and at home, our life depends on it.
When selecting a helmet there are many options. Ensure you are selecting the correct helmet for the activity you are going to engage in. Read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to understand the limitations, warnings, fit, and care of your helmet. Below is an example on how to fit a bicycle helmet.
- Size
When you try on the helmet prior to buying ensure the helmet does not move side to side as you move your head. Either sizing pads or fit rings come with your helmet. Adjust them accordingly to prevent the helmet from moving side to side as you turn your head. Do not over tighten.
- Position
The helmet should fit low on your forehead with about 1 or2 finger widths above your eyebrow.
- Side straps
There are 2 side straps. One on left and one on the right side. The straps will form a "Y" and meet right below your ear for a proper fit.
- Chin strap
The strap should be snug enough (do not over tighten) to allow for not more than 1 finger to fit between your chin and the strap.
We wish you and your family many fun and safe memories from following Helmet safety best practices, every time you go bicycle riding!
