Hard Hats To Be Worn At Derby The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) has dealt a blow to the Curragh Racecourse by insisting that hard hats are worn by everyone attending race meetings at the Co. Kildare venue during the re-development of the enclosures. It had been thought that this directive only applied to construction staff working on the building site but it has since been clarified by HSA that this requirement extends to all persons entering areas deemed to be a part of the re-development and this includes all temporary structures and stands erected within the site. This will mean that all 6,000 people attending this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Irish Champions' Weekend at the course must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). A spokesperson said: “This decision by the HSA has come as a surprise but following consultation with our stakeholders we have decided to make the best of this situation.” “We have been in touch with a major Hard-Hat manufacturer in the UK and they will have the first batch delivered to us in time for our opening fixture of the year.” “The unit price of the hats is under €2 and the racecourse will absorb the full cost so there will be no additional charge to our customers.” “Patrons will not be allowed to wear their own hard hats as we must ensure that all hard hats worn throughout the racecourse comply to EU standards and have an EN397 certificate.” “We will be using different coloured hats to distinguish the different groups of people in attendance at the race meetings.” “Stewards of the Turf Club will wear White hats. All staff working on the day including catering and bar staff, members of the Media and race horse trainers will be issued with Blue hats. “Sponsors, their guests and all corporate clients will be in Grey hats while general admission customers will wear Yellow.
