Page 43 - OHS, April 2022

MOTO PROTECT
TAKE THE POLE POSITION
COMPOSITE SLIP RESISTANT WATER RESISTANT DRIVERS HEEL METAL FREE ELECTRICAL HAZARD
THE NEW GENERATION MOTO PROTECT:
• motorsport-inspired performance safety shoes
• cushioning, slip-resistant Duo-PU sole for an absolutely safe and comfortable step
• stabilizing MTSP torsion control element
• inner lacing and drivers heel support - the perfect mix of ultimate performance, comfort and motorsport look
NEW
puma-safety.com
Angled impacts are more likely to result in traumatic brain inuries than direct impacts.
sidering the TBI-causing risk of rotational forces, it’s clear that something’s missing.
In 1996, Swedish neurosurgeon Hans von Holst began exploring the relationship between brain injuries and helmet construction. Upon recognizing helmets were inadequately protecting against rotational impacts, Von Holst teamed up with researcher Peter Halldin to engineer a solution.
Their efforts resulted in the creation of a multi-directional impact protection system now known more simply as Mips. This technology is built around the discovery that relative motion between low friction layers reduces the effect of rotational force. By integrating a sliding layer into helmets, Von Holst and Halldin found a way to redirect the force of rotational impacts that would otherwise be transferred to the head.
The technology mimics the protective properties in the human brain by adding a second layer of rotational protection. Cerebrospinal fluid is our natural protection system that allows the brain to move relative to the skull. And just as the cerebrospinal fluid allows that movement, Mips is designed to reduce the strain in the brain by allowing the helmet to briefly rotate a short distance around the head of the wearer, so the most severe rotational aspect of the crash can essentially be taken on by the motion of the helmet, not the brain.
To test effectiveness, Mips helmet test lab includes four testing machines designed to mimic real-world impact scenarios. Of the many comprehensive and helmet-specific tests conducted in the lab, Mips has found a vertical drop onto an angled surface to be the most simple and robust method for determining reduction of rotational force.
Though no testing standard currently exists for hard hats and climbing-style safety helmets regarding rotational motion, the technology has been proven via third-party validations from external institutes and organizations, such as Virginia Tech, Folksam and Länsförsäkringar. In addition to that, there are multiple doctoral theses presented around the Mips system.
Initially focused on the recreational space with bike and ski helmets, Mips is now expanding into the industrial space, collab- orating first with leading safety helmet manufacturers in Europe before breaking into the North American PPE market in 2021.
It’s important to note that the added safety measure is found only in climbing style safety helmets and not traditional hard hats. This is because of the added security provided by the chin strap, which is needed for the system to function properly.
Tim Gallant is Product Director for the Protection Pillar at Ergodyne. www.ohsonline.com
Circle 24 on card.
APRIL 2022 | Occupational Health & Safety 39