In high-risk industries such as construction, protecting workers from head injuries is one of the biggest priorities, as head protection is often the difference between life and death. In the US alone, construction workers account for a quarter of all workplace traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Of these injuries, 68 % result from falls and 12 % due to falling objects.1
Severe TBIs can be life-altering, often leaving survivors with long-term cognitive, emotional, and psychological challenges. This underscores the critical need for comprehensive head protection in construction settings.1
The most effective way to reduce the frequency and severity of work-related head injuries is by using type II head protection, which, according to recent studies, offers the highest level of protection.1,2 As a result, more general contractors are now requiring Type II safety helmets on job sites.
Image Credit: Protective Industrial Products, Inc.
The Benefits of Type II Head Protection in Construction
In addition to the harness suspension found in Type I head protection, Type II safety helmets incorporate an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner. This added feature provides 360-degree coverage, protecting users from the front, back, and side impacts, whereas Type I helmets are designed only for top-impact protection.
Climbing-style safety helmets—equipped with a harness suspension, EPS liner, and/or chin strap—are often considered an upgrade from standard hard hats. These features enhance security and comfort, improving wearer acceptance and compliance. However, studies have shown that climbing-style helmets 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 additional protection offered by Type II helmets could play a crucial role in reducing workplace injuries.1
Type II Helmet Solutions
Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1–2014 standards, safety helmets from Protective Industrial Products (PIP®) are at the forefront of head protection innovation. Select PIP helmets are furnished with a low-friction layer, minimizing rotational motion transfer from oblique collisions to the skull.
The Mips® Brain Protection System technology gives an extra layer of safety from side and rear impacts, which is particularly valuable as such forces can cause an increase in head acceleration.1
The PIP helmet range is also designed to enhance user comfort and durability. Integrated accessories such as visors and ear protection provide added convenience by keeping important protective gear readily accessible. Integrated ventilation systems add to the comfort, helping workers to maintain efficiency without compromising safety. Additionally, the helmets are customizable to fit specific site requirements, with a range of styles and color options.3
Image Credit: Protective Industrial Products, Inc.
Prioritizing Safety and Productivity
The adoption of Type II helmets is gaining momentum as construction companies begin to recognize the cost and productivity benefits of advanced head protection. By using Type II helmets, companies can protect their workers, reduce the risk of costly TBIs, and promote a culture of safety.
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
Safety is paramount in today’s construction industry. By adopting Type II helmets, companies can proactively protect the workforce from severe head injuries and provide employees with a safer and more productive work environment.
References and Further Reading
- Bottlang, M., et al. (2022). Effect of helmet design on impact performance of industrial safety helmets. Heliyon, 8(8), p.e09962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09962.
- Bottlang, M., et al. (2023). Climbing style safety helmets do not improve impact protection over type II hard hats. Safety Science, 168, pp.106296–106296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106296.
- Protective Industrial Products (2025). Head Protection Experts | Protective Industrial Products. (online) Protective Industrial Products. Available at: https://pip-global-safety.com/Head-Protection.
- Fu, T.S., et al. (2016). Health & Economic Burden of Traumatic Brain Injury in the Emergency Department. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques, 43(02), pp.238–247. https://doi.org/10.1017/cjn.2015.320.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Protective Industrial Products, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Protective Industrial Products, Inc.