Advanced Head Protection Gear for Safer Construction Sites

Protecting workers from head injuries is a top priority in high-risk industries like construction, where head protection can be the difference between life and death. In the US alone, construction workers account for a quarter of all workplace traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with 68 % of these injuries resulting from falls and 12% caused by falling objects.¹

TBIs are not only severe but also profoundly life-altering; survivors often endure lasting cognitive, psychological, and emotional challenges, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive head protection in construction settings.¹

Type II head protection is the single most effective measure for reducing both the incidence and severity of work-related head injuries.¹ For this reason, general contractors are increasingly mandating Type II safety helmets, which offer the best protection according to a recent study.²

The Benefits of Type II Head Protection in Construction

In addition to the harness suspension used in Type I safety helmets, Type II safety helmets are manufactured with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner. This added feature provides 360-degree coverage, guarding users against front, back, and side impacts. Type I head protection is only designed to protect against top impacts.

Climbing-style safety helmets—those equipped with either a harness suspension and/or EPS liner and chin strap, are often considered an upgrade from standard hard hats. However, they have been shown to absorb only half as much impact from lateral forces as Type II safety helmets.² With 52 %–62 % of helmet impacts occurring from the front and sides, the extra protection afforded by Type II safety helmets could significantly reduce workplace injuries.¹

Type II Helmet Solutions

Helmets from Protective Industrial Products (PIP) are at the forefront of head protection innovation. Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1–2014 standards, select PIP helmets are equipped with a low-friction layer that minimizes the transfer of rotational motion from oblique collisions to the skull. This Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) [A1] technology provides an additional layer of safety during side and rear impacts, which is particularly valuable given that such forces can cause a several-fold increase in head acceleration.¹

Beyond impact protection, the PIP range of helmets are designed with user comfort and durability in mind. Equipped with integrated accessories like visors and ear protection, these helmets offer added convenience by keeping essential protective gear readily accessible. Built-in ventilation systems further enhance comfort, helping workers to maintain efficiency without compromising safety. Moreover, with a range of styles and color options, these helmets can be customized to fit specific site requirements.³

Prioritizing Safety and Productivity

As construction companies are starting to recognize the cost and productivity benefits of advanced head protection, the shift to Type II helmets is gaining momentum. With Type II helmets, companies can better protect their workers, reduce the risk of costly TBIs, and promote a culture of safety on the job site. Given that each TBI case can carry an economic burden ranging from $600,000 to $1.8 million, the investment in robust head protection technology is both a moral and practical decision.⁴

In today’s construction industry, safety is paramount. By choosing Type II helmets, companies are proactively protecting their workforce from severe head injuries and ensuring that their employees can work in a safer and more productive environment.

Contact a member of our team today to learn more about our product offerings.

References and Further Reading

1.      Bottlang, M., et al. (2022). Effect of helmet design on impact performance of industrial safety helmets. Heliyon. doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09962

2.      Bottlang, M., et al. (2023). Climbing style safety helmets do not improve impact protection over type II hard hats. Safety Science. doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106296

3.      PIP. [Online] Head Protection. Available at: https://pip-global-safety.com/Head-Protection

4.      Fu, T.S., et al. (2016). Health & economic burden of traumatic brain injury in the emergency department. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. doi.org/10.1017/cjn.2015.320