Hardhat above scratches

Since the old helmets had reached the end of their service life, the company provided us with new ones. We really like these new helmets; we clean them regularly and always wear them carefully, fearing that scratches or dirt might appear on their smooth surface. One day, while working on a device, I found myself in a tight space with an oily valve nearby. I glanced at the brand-new helmet and hesitated to put it on. I told my supervisor, “Master, I don’t want to wear the safety helmet here. If it gets oily, it’ll look ugly. I’ll be careful.”

The master smiled and said, “The helmet isn’t for decoration. Its purpose is to protect you. If you’re too worried about keeping it clean every time you work, then what’s the point of having it?” I was still reluctant to put on the new hard hat, but I did so anyway. Sure enough, during the shift, my head bumped into a pipe above me, causing a loud bang. I saw stars and felt my ears ringing. When I took off the helmet afterward, I noticed a scratch on it. I was relieved, but also a bit shaken. Thank goodness I followed the master’s advice—there was no blood, just a small mark. That scratch stood out clearly on the new helmet, but it became a constant reminder: the helmet is my protector, and it keeps me safe while I follow the rules.

As I ran my fingers over the scratch, I couldn’t help but remember when I first started working. I felt uncomfortable wearing a heavy helmet, especially in summer, when the inside was hot and stuffy. I often wanted to take it off. At night, while doing inspections, I would bump into handrails, ladders, corners, and pipes. The scratches on those surfaces made me appreciate the helmet even more. Each mark on it was a silent proof that I had been protected from injury. It absorbed the impact and pain of every collision, silently standing by until I could retire with pride. Though its life was short, it was incredibly meaningful.

It’s not just the helmets that protect us—it’s also our work clothes, protective shoes, gloves, earplugs, and other equipment. They all serve the same purpose, quietly shielding us from harm. As their users, we must learn to value and care for them. Looking back at how careless I used to be with my helmet, I felt a pang of guilt. I hope it's not too late to start treating them with more respect now. We won’t give up on them because they get scratched or worn. Every mark tells a story of protection. Helmet, my guardian, my closest companion.

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