In what situations is wearing a hard hat required?

Wearing a hard hat is required in situations where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, which directly relates to working in environments like construction sites or areas where overhead work is being performed. Hard hats are designed to absorb the impact and protect the wearer's head from potential hazards such as tools, materials, or debris that may fall from above.

The safety regulations focus on preventing injuries in environments where the likelihood of experiencing such hazards is increased, emphasizing the need for personal protective equipment in these scenarios. Other options suggest less relevant contexts or do not provide sufficient risk justification for hard hat use. For instance, operating heavy machinery might necessitate other safety gear, but it does not inherently mean hard hats are required unless the specific environment poses the risk of falling objects.