Head protection equipment, like a helmet, was originally designed to safeguard workers from potential injuries on the job. But what if it turns into a weapon in the wrong hands? Let’s take a look at a real incident reported by Xiaobian from the China Labor Protection Network.

This story came to light when Xiaobian visited a construction site and spoke with safety inspectors. It was an ordinary afternoon after lunch. Workers were taking their breaks—some napping, others calling home, or simply relaxing. Younger workers were glued to their phones, watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through social media. It was a typical scene until something unexpected happened.

Twenty-three-year-old Xiao Zhang, the youngest in dormitory 203, was completely absorbed in his phone game. His roommates often scolded him for being too distracted, but he never paid attention. During the nap time, everyone else was asleep, but Xiao Zhang remained focused on his game. He kept shouting, “Nima, I’m losing points! Ugh!” While such remarks are usually ignored, his loud voice was disturbing others. Master Li, one of the senior workers, finally stepped in and said, “Xiao Zhang, keep it down. Everyone is sleeping.”

But instead of calming down, Xiao Zhang got angry. He shouted back, “Lao Tzu, you don’t even speak softly. No one else says anything, why do you?” Frustrated by the younger generation's behavior, Master Li lost his temper and grabbed a hard hat from the bedside. He threw it at Xiao Zhang. The impact was sudden and violent. The helmet hit Xiao Zhang’s face, causing immediate pain and bleeding. A scream echoed through the dormitory, and other workers rushed over.

The helmet had shattered against Xiao Zhang’s glasses, leaving small fragments scattered across the floor. His face was badly bruised, with blood flowing down. The workers quickly took him to the nearest hospital. The doctor confirmed that, fortunately, his eyes were not injured. However, there would definitely be scars left behind.

After the incident, the site’s safety officers held a meeting with the workers. Both Master Li and Xiao Zhang were reprimanded and faced disciplinary action. This incident serves as a reminder that while helmets are meant to protect, they can become dangerous tools if misused in moments of anger.

This article is an original piece written for the China Labor Protection Network. If you wish to republish it, please credit the source.