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PPE: HEAD AND FACE PROTECTION Prioritizing Safety from the Top Down Head protection is shifting from traditional hard hats to comprehensive safety helmets. BY RYAN BARNES To prioritize the safety of employers and employees, it is crucial to reevaluate the current head protection available to construction workers. While conventional hard hats primarily protect against falling objects, they fall short in terms of safeguarding workers against other potential head inju- ries resulting from falls, slips, and trips. Therefore, workers need more comprehensive head protection than traditional hard hats. Construction sites inherently pose risks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)1, in 2020, construction laborers had a higher incidence rate of nonfatal falls, slips, or trips (52.5 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) compared to the average for all workers (22.9 cases). This disparity comes as no surprise, given the multitude of hazards present at construction sites, ranging from falling objects to electrical and chemical exposures. The Helmet Overhaul Falls rank as the third leading cause of fatal incidents in the con- struction industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)2, there were 1,008 documented fatal falls in the United States construction industry in 2020, accounting for approximately 35 percent of all construction-related accidents. Con- sidering that more than half of the construction workforce operates on scaffolds, significantly increasing the risk of falls from heights and associated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), this is no surprise. In reaction, the industry is shifting its approach to head pro- tection. For more than a century, the industry has relied on the traditional hard hat, which today must comply with the Ameri- can National Standard for Industrial Head Protection (ANSI) Z89.1 Type I standard. However, when it comes to impact pro- tection, Type I hard hats are designed only to reduce the force of impact from the top of the head—typically from falling objects. Now, various industrial-related industry decision makers, from plant operators to construction safety officers and other profession- als, are moving toward the new ANSI Z89.1 Type II Safety Helmet as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE) arsenal. In comparison, ANSI-certified Type II safety helmets provide comprehensive 360-degree head protection. They incorporate advanced shock-absorbing technologies and offer front, side, and rear impact protection. Additionally, they often feature chin straps and other innovations that ensure the helmet stays on the head, safe and secure, in the event of accidents. While Type II safety helmets may require a higher initial invest- ment compared to traditional hard hats, they provide significantly enhanced safety and overall comfort for workers. They are specifi- cally designed to improve wearability and, most importantly, offer superior protection against severe injuries or fatalities. Moving the Safety Needle Following OSHA’s recommendations, including its recent “Fall Protection Campaign2,” investing in safer PPE, such as Type II safety helmets represent a crucial step toward achieving this goal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS3), most head injuries resulting from slips, trips, or falls occur at heights of 6 feet or less. This is a primary reason why many commercial gen- eral contractors now require Type II safety helmets with chin straps, alongside other certifications and requirements, to ensure compliance on high-profile job sites. Compared to traditional hard hats, Type II safety helmets pro- vide enhanced physical benefits. Their adoption reduces injuries, leading to fewer compensation claims and potentially lower in- surance costs. This enhances overall workplace safety, fostering a robust safety culture and prioritizing worker well-being. Key features of Type II helmets include: 1. Full Brims and Modular Rear Brims: These helmets can have a slight rear brim for rain deflection or a full-brim for added protection against outdoor elements. Some Type II helmets allow the replacement of brim components, enhancing comfort and utility. Full brims are particularly beneficial for outdoor workers, offering protection from sun and rain. 2. Impact Protection: Type II helmets often boast advanced impact protection like Koroyd’s welded-tube polymers. These polymers crumple upon impact, absorbing force and protecting the skull and brain from various impacts. By minimizing the ef- fects of oblique impacts, which can cause brain rotation within the skull, these helmets reduce the risk of severe injuries. 3. Identification Technology: Some helmets feature near- field communication (NFC) chips, storing emergency contacts and medical data for first responders. For instance, twICEme uses NFC, allowing a quick scan of the stored data. Traditional hard hats may require paper-based health information inside, which isn’t always accessible for medical personnel during emergencies. 4. Four-Point Chin Strap Systems: Helmets with buckle en- closures and adjustable four-point chin straps, similar to those in sports helmets, offer construction workers adaptability and one- handed usage. These straps ensure the helmet stays in place dur- ing falls, which strapless hard hats might not guarantee. Forward-thinking organizations adopting Type II safety hel- mets are not only making a sound financial choice but are also emphasizing a safety-first culture. Ryan Barnes is founder and CEO of Studson, a U.S.-based indus- trial Type II safety helmet maker. Barnes brings more than 20 years of experience across a variety of roles from the sports, outdoor, and consumer product goods markets to help revolutionize the indus- trial helmet safety market. REFERENCES 1. azqs.short.gy/bS7Dzk 2. azqs.short.gy/itHXBU 3. azqs.short.gy/Nx9hdu 22 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com