The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) made an important announcement in December 2023 regarding worker safety . All OSHA staff members are now required to switch from a traditional hardhat to modern Safety Helmets while onsite (1). This change aligns with the industry-wide trend of replacing traditional Type I hardhats with Type II Safety Helmets, which offer superior protection (2).
OSHA released a Safety Bulletin in November 2023 on Head Protection detailing the important differences between hardhats and safety helmets. OSHA cites recent research that has shown that most onsite deaths are caused by head trauma (1). Hardhats, usually associated with the ANSI type I for head protection, have been commonly used on worksites but only offer protection from impact on the top of the head. Safety Helmets, usually the ANSI Type II, provide not only top protection but also added protection for the sides of the head. There is an optional chin strap, ensuring that the helmet remain secure. It’s becoming increasingly clear that in order to mitigate the huge risk of head trauma, traditional hardhats are simply not enough. The safety helmets simply offer more, much needed protection. The recent research on head trauma onsite prompted major general contractors, like Clark Construction, to mandate Type II Safety Helmet use back in 2022 (2). OSHA appears to be following suit.
Although wearing a Type II Safety Helmet is not currently an OSHA requirement, they strongly recommended safety helmets for people working in the construction, oil and gas industries; in high-temperature, specialized work and low-risk environments; when performing tasks involving electrical work and working from heights; and when required by regulations or industry standards (3).
This policy change set forth by OSHA for their own staff, and recommendations across industries, sends a strong message. It highlights the importance of advanced safety measures and demonstrates alignment with industry leaders. Does this mean that a concrete OSHA law change for industry is on the horizon? It’s unclear. However, the research and industry leaders are very clear: Type II Safety Helmets should be the safety standard industry-wide.
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- https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases
- https://www.clarkconstruction.com/news/clark-require-trade-contractors-switch-hard-hats-safety-helmet
- https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/safety_helmet_shib.pdf
