From time to time, the argument over the benefit of cycling helmets resurfaces. To clarify how the wearing of cycling helmets is a benefit, I thought it would be useful to look at the issue as an occupational health and safety matter.

In the OH&S profession, there are three principles followed in sequence: hazard recognition, hazard evaluation and hazard control.

The use of cycling helmets is a control option and it is important to remember that controls are only successful once the hazards are adequately recognized and evaluated.

A study of cycling injuries in southern Alberta from 1995 to 2009 (Can J Surg. Vol. 56, No.3, June 2013) found that most common causes of injury were: cyclists lost balance (32 per cent), were hit by motor vehicle (28 per cent) or collided with person animal or object (nine per cent). The most common injuries were to the head (70 per cent), to the extremities (37 per cent) and to the thorax (35 per cent).

Control options are provided in a hierarchy where the first control principle is generally the most effective; the second control is of lesser effect and so on.

The hazard control principles in order of effectiveness are:

1. Hazard elimination

2. Substitution of a less hazardous option

3. Use of engineering controls

4. Warnings of hazards for users (cyclists and motorists)

5. Administrative controls such as education

6. Use of personal protective equipment such as cycling helmets.

For cyclists, hazard elimination means removing the motorist from interaction with the cyclist. Commonly, this is done with separate cycle paths.

Hazard substitution is providing a less hazardous option for a cyclist. This might be done by use of painted bicycle lanes or other means to separate cyclists from the motorists, while not eliminating their common use of the road.

Engineering control of hazards could be placement of structures to reduce interactions at high-hazard sites. This can include structures such as cycle refuges (islands) at intersections, special signal lights, painted features such as bicycle boxes and so on. Engineering controls are most effective for specific hazard situations.

Warnings are signs placed to notify that cyclists are present and to let motorists know that cyclists rightly occupy a portion of the common road. Warnings also include cyclists wearing bright clothing, use of rear and front lights, and other means to enhance visibility.

Administrative controls are primarily education for cyclists and motorists about their rights and responsibilities. Administrative controls also include policing of both road-user groups.

The final control for hazards is personal protective equipment, meaning helmet use. As with any single control option, helmet use alone is not sufficient, as it does not address the more important factors of removal of the hazards, substitution of less hazardous options, engineering controls, warnings or training.

Protective cycling helmets are worn as a precaution against unexpected hazards due to local factors (weather, road repairs, etc.) or insufficient hazard control by other means.

For example: though a separate bike path might be present, it is still possible to fall and the helmet is there to protect against head injury.

From an OH&S point of view, wearing a helmet is useful and always recommended, but there are other more effective measures. The best way to improve safety for cyclists is to press provincial and municipal governments for improved cycling infrastructure and training. For your personal safety, always wear a cycling helmet as a precaution against unexpected falls.

Clive MacGregor is a registered occupational hygienist and has practised in the field in Halifax since 1985. He is a recreational cyclist and a member of the Halifax Cycling Coalition Board.