October 2024
Study Reveals Helmet vs. Hard Hat Confusion Persists
J. J. Keller recently partnered with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) to gather information about the latest challenges employers face when implementing head protection. The results suggest ongoing confusion on the hot topic of “helmets vs. hard hats” in the safety industry.
According to the survey, 72 percent of respondents stated they’re aware of the difference between the two. However, we can conclude that more clarity, guidance, and education are still needed here because the number one feature that respondents identified as characteristic of a “helmet” is not actually a solid indicator of the difference between the two.
What IS the difference?
Specifically, 80 percent of respondents thought that “Impact protection on top, sides, front, and back” was an indication of helmet-style head protection. But in reality, that impact rating is an indicator of Type II head protection (which can be found in traditional style hard hats as well).
All forms of OSHA-compliant head protection will have a Type I or Type II rating on the manufacturer’s sticker. These markings are based on ANSI Z89.1’s impact ratings.
Type I head protection protects workers from objects or impacts from the top center area of the helmet/hard hat and are often used in work areas with no lateral head impact hazards.
Type II, on the other hand, offers protection from both top and lateral impacts and objects and is often found on construction job sites or complex general industry settings where workers face multiple head contact exposures.
Therefore, the impact rating alone is not enough to distinguish between helmets and hard hats. The primary differentiator lies in the construction of materials.
While hard hats are made from hard plastics, safety helmets incorporate a combination of materials, including lightweight composites, fiberglass, and advanced thermoplastics. Such materials can help enhance the impact resistance of the helmets but also include the added benefit of reducing the overall weight of the helmet. This can reduce neck strain and improve comfort during extended use.Whether your jobsite is in a cold part of the country or not, it’s important to evaluate the potential for cold stress at your workplace. Even in warmer states like Arizona and California, cooler temperatures can occur during early morning and night shifts. Also, workers could be exposed to cold stress in the underground construction of tunnels, shafts, chambers, and passageways. Conduct a workplace assessment to identify your workers’ cold exposure.
Head protection is evolving
According to the survey, 90 percent of participants recognize that head protection is evolving and selecting the appropriate protection is becoming more complex.
Some respondents noted that their workplaces have progressed in adapting to new head protection styles, but the prevailing mindset remains that simply wearing something on the head is enough for worker safety.
At the end of the day, employers should keep in mind that head protection should not be a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, it’s important for employers to conduct a job hazard analysis and/or a personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment to determine which style of head protection is best for their workers.
What you can do
Here are some ways to help you make informed head protection decisions moving forward:
• Know the standards: Read and follow the OSHA and ANSI requirements to ensure compliance.
• Keep up to date: The technology and options for head protection are constantly evolving.
• Conduct PPE assessments: Before starting any work activity or when there are changes in the environment, assess the need for PPE. In construction, these assessments may need to be done more frequently due to the changing landscape.
• Check the label: Always read the label and instructions for PPE. You can’t determine the level of protection just by looking at it.
• Train your team: Proper training is essential for PPE use and care. The best PPE won’t protect you if it’s not worn, not worn correctly, or not maintained.
• Ask questions: Reach out to distributors, suppliers, industry associations, and third-party experts and consultants for information and support. They can be valuable sources of knowledge.
• Get involved: As a safety professional, your voice is critical in shaping standards and innovations. Be an active participant and contribute to the safety community.
Bottom Line: The industry has never seen a more confusing time to buy head protection. Make sure you understand the requirements and conduct a PPE assessment to determine the best style of head protection for your employees.
FREE HEAD PROTECTION STUDY REPORT
Discover what your peers are doing in terms of head protection and learn about the challenges they face with the full results of our collaborative survey with ISEA.
