Do you normally work in a construction site? There are several safety concerns that you should address. One of the vital personal protection equipment that you should invest in is the construction safety helmet. With this protective gear, you can be sure that you will keep head injuries at bay. From falling objects to being electrocuted, there are many perils that you might encounter at the workplace.
However, if you have a construction safety helmet, you will be able to optimize your head’s safety and thereby become more productive in the workplace. This article will outline some of the best construction safety helmets and the considerations you should make when choosing one.
Difference Between a Hard Hat and a Helmet
The helmet refers to any protective covering of the head that is designed to help reduce injuries to the brain. On the other hand, a hard hat is a rigid protective helmet that is worn by both building and factory workers.
Although the hard hat might be effective in offering maximum head protection when one is working, it has its shortcomings. For instance, if you fall to the ground from a roof or you are struck in the head by a steel beam, the hard hat might not be as protective as you might think. In most cases, the hard hat is fond of falling off the head of a worker’s head in case the worker falls, slips, or trips.
To counter these challenges, a lot of changes have been made to the hard hats. Nowadays, these gears resemble the helmets used in climbing and cycling. The good news is that they now offer better coverage compared to how they were in the past. Here, you can trust that you will enjoy coverage on the sides and at the back of the hard hat. They normally use an interior foam lining to provide additional resistance.
Why Construction Workers Wear Safety Helmets?
There are many reasons why construction workers need to wear a helmet while at the workplace. Some of these reasons include:
1. Protection from head injuries
By wearing a safety helmet, you will be able to protect your head from falling objects. In addition, you will be able to protect the side of your head, eyes, and neck from any untoward bumps or impacts. In case your workplace has electrical hazards, you can trust that you will be safe from such hazards.
2. Weather protection
Sometimes, the weather can get bad and thereby make it difficult to work. For instance, if it starts raining, the last thing you would wish is for your head to be rained on. Also, when the sun gets too hot, your head needs some shade so that you can remain cool for longer. Some of these safety helmets normally come with good ventilation that prevents the user from sweating. Therefore, you will be safe from hard weather elements once you wear a construction helmet at the workplace.
3. Industrial protection
As mentioned above, there are some industry sectors where one is prone to head injuries such as the mining and construction sites. Sometimes, the common safety helmets used here might not be effective enough to offer maximum protection to the head.
Therefore, as part of being compliant with industrial safety, a high-performance industrial safety helmet will be needed, you will note that this helmet normally comprises a shell and a headband that has good shock absorption properties. Therefore, you can trust that you will be safe from lateral shock and so on.
4. Identity purposes
Besides offering head protection, these safety helmets also help distinguish and recognize certain workers at the construction site. This is because these helmets normally come in different color designations, which vary from one company to another.
In most cases, a group of employees might wear helmets of the same color whenever they are working on a large project. This way, you will be able to distinguish them even from a distance. Besides the colors, you can also attach stickers, labels, and even markers for better identity.
5. Increased productivity
Since you will be safe from anything that might cause head injuries, you can be sure that you will be more productive in the workplace. This has actually worked well for many construction workers out there.
6. Increases chances of survival in case of an accident.
Accidents happen when you least expect them. However, if you had worn a helmet at the time of the accident, chances of survival are very high. This is because the chances of getting hurt will be next to naught.
7. Company branding
One of those things that will let others know of the company that you are working for is the helmet. Nowadays, construction companies have branded the safety helmets that their employees wear at the workplace. This works well as these employees will be identified at a much broader level. It is a good way of marketing the construction site out there.
Pros & Cons of Use A Safety Helmet In a Construction Area
- Protects you from head injuries
- The safety helmet protects you from harsh weather elements
- Improves your visibility at the workplace
- Ideal for company branding
- Improved productivity
- Some helmets are heavy and can be uncomfortable to wear one for longer hours.
The 8 Best Construction Safety Helmets
1. Ergodyne Skullerz 8975 Class C Safety Helmet
If you are seeking all day comfort while keeping your head super safe at work, the above helmet will give you a perfect solution to your quest. The latter comes with both an EN 12492 compliant shell and suspension design that gives your head a robust all-over protection. It also boasts of a removable hard hat sweatband to give it more comfort. Plus, the top pad is made of breathable, sweat wicking, odor resistant, and machine washable materials. This ensures that you have an easy time maintaining your hardhat.
The later also features integrated patent-pending headlamp slots that make it versatile enough to be used even around very dark areas. There is a chin strap on standby to ensure that you get a perfect fit and the hat doesn’t fall unexpectedly. Getting a better customized fit is still achieved through its 6-point premium ratcheting suspension. Its brim is quite low to ensure that all users get a better field of vision. Also, it has a vent that helps to promote air circulation within the hardhat thus wicking away all the unwanted odors and moisture.
- Its low brim design makes it quite easy for the users to see.
- Comfortable interior.
- Has a chin strap for an improved fit.
- It lacks a UV indicator.
- It lacks a UV indicator.
2. Klein Tools 60150 Construction Safety Helmet
Built with super lightweight materials, this hardhat will give you nothing short of utmost comfort whilst still offer you excellent protection. Just like the above helmet, this also exhibits a subtly designed front design that has a space to mount other additional equipment like a face shield or headlamps. Congestion and nasty odors are not a problem with this hard hat because of its very breathable padded sweat-wicking sweatband. In the interior part of the hardhat, there is a top pad that is strategically placed. This top hat gives it additional comfort and it can be washed via a machine.
There are other additional vents on the latter function to ensure that there is full air circulation within the hat. With its low profile brim design you are fully assured of deterrent free field of vision. Aside from that, it has an easy to adjust six point ratcheting suspension. This ensures you get a fully customized fitting. There’s one handed adjustment knob featured in this hardhat to ensure equal weight distribution.
- Quite versatile.
- Very comfortable to wear all day.
- Very breathable.
- It lacks a chin strap.
3. NEIKO 53880A 5-in-1 Forestry Safety Helmet
Talk of the holistically reliable and protective hard hat and this five in one hardhat will satisfy every font of that. First off, it boasts of a very comfortable and aerated interior. This ensures you don’t tire from wearing it over long periods. On top of that, it comes with a foam headband, a soft plastic lining, and cushioned ear muffs. Even though the latter comes with a lot of additional accessories, it is still quite light on your head. This brings out its versatility. Also, there’s a dial knob fixed at the back of the hardhat to help users achieve a perfect fit.
More, it has modern removable ear muffs with a noise reduction rate of up to 22db thus efficient for use around noisy environs. Besides that, the hardhat is reinforced with heavy duty materials to ensure users are fully protected against impact.
- It comes with additional accessories.
- Despite being large in nature, it is very light and comfortable.
- It is super versatile.
- Very breathable.
- It lacks a chin strap which adds more balance.
4. Ergodyne Skullerz 8975LED Class C Safety Construction Helmet
It is obvious that hardhats with a chin strap are quite comfortable and easy to use compared to those without. The above hard hat is no exception at all thanks to its always on standby chin strap. Besides that, its EN 12492 certified suspension and shell design ensure you get better protection. If not enough, it comes with both front and rear headlamp slots.
Its brim is quite small to enhance the user’s field of vision even when one is looking up. The 6 points premium ratcheting suspensions ensure you get nothing short of a perfect fit. Plus, the latter comes with a couple of vents to ensure great breathability and maximum inhibition of odors. Lastly, this hard hat features a universal design that makes it very compatible with other accessories thus being super versatile.
- It is a versatile hardhat.
- It comes with a chin strap.
- This is very comfortable.
- It is very versatile.
- Lacks a UV light indicator.
5. 3M SecureFit Construction Safety Helmet
This is another incredible safety helmet for construction. It has a comfortable fit thanks to its smooth easy-turning six point ratchet suspensions. Apart from that, it has vents for better ventilation and air circulation. Unlike most hard hats, this one has a UV Indicator employed on it to keep always alert in case of strong sun. Also, the hat is fully approved and versatile to work with PPES. The straps on the hardhat are also very innovative and don’t get cut off easily. With this hard hat, the amount of pressure dispensed on your head can be reduced to up to 20℅. Finally, the latter meets all the required industry and requirements and standards.
- Has a UV indicator.
- Has a very versatile design.
- Facts have it that it lasts for very long.
- It comes with a chin strap for a better fit.
- Its design restricts it from being worn on both sides.
6. Defender Safety H1-CH Construction Helmet
The above helmet is designed with a universal size, which allows a perfect fit to different heads’ sizes and shapes. More also, it comes with a modern chin strap for extra balance. This chin strap comes with a chin-cup attached at the bottom. This ensures that the hat is always intact on its place once you have it on.
Apart from that, it comes with an excellent suspension system, which gives it robust stamina against all impacts dispensed on it. It also exhibits a Hi-Viz design that plays a major role in promoting both back and front visibility. Well sized vents are inscribed on it to ensure complete breathability. Versatility is also quite addressed through its innovative design that allows compatibility with other accessories. Lastly, it has six-point ratcheting suspensions that help to ensure a perfect customizable fit.
- Very versatile.
- It comes with an adjustable chin strap.
- It exhibits great breathability.
- Comes in universal size.
- Lacks a UV indicator.
- It can only be worn on one side.
7. Vented Hard Hat For Safety
Unlike the vast majority of hard hats in today’s market, the above helmet comes with a free skullerz hard hat LED light. This ensures you get clear visibility even when you are around super dark areas. Even so, it has built in headlamp slots which give you the chance to attach any other headlamp of your choice. You can also adjust your hardhat very easily to get that perfect fit thanks to its built in adjustable knob. To spice up, the latter has a very subtle outlook that allows users to wear it forward or backward. Irrespective of which side you put it on, it fully blends in whilst still fitting you well.
Nonetheless, it comes with a removable sweatband which helps it wicks away both sweat and odors. It also has a flexible open frame on the latter to ameliorate air circulation within the hat. Furthermore, it has a reliable top padding which ensures you get extra comfort all day long
- Exhibits great padding for utmost comfort.
- It is very versatile.
- It comes with a free skullerz LED headlamp.
- Can be worn either forward or backwards.
- It lacks an adjustable chin strap.
8. ERGODYNE SKULLERZ 8974 Construction Safety Helmet
This is the hardhat to go for in case you are seeking extra and all round head protection while working. This is so since the latter utilizes lightweight yet heavy duty materials in its making. Thus, it ensures your head is very comfortable and fully secured from all sorts of impacts. On top of that, it features an adjustable chin strap that ensures the hat remains secure and balanced on your head. Albeit it offers all-round protection, it features a very low-profile brim which ensures that you get an excellent field of vision.
Additionally, its innovative design meets all the required Industry regulations and standards. Plus, both suspension and shell design are EN 12492 certified. Inside the hardhat, you find a padded removable sweatband that is both sweat and odor resistant. Further, its flexible open frame design with 6-point suspension improves comfort as well as air circulation. And, it has an adjustable knob that allows for a customized fit. Last but not the least, front and rear slots are included for attachment of other accessories.
- Very versatile.
- It comes with an adjustable chin strap.
- Very sturdy and strong.
- It is very comfortable to wear all day long.
- It lacks an UV indicator.
Key Features To Look Before Buying Construction Safety Helmets
When looking for a helmet to buy, chances are that you will come across different kinds out there. If this is your first time buying a construction helmet, you might be spoilt for choice. Sometimes, these helmets might look similar, while in reality, these protection gears are worlds apart as far as their features are concerned. This guide will outline some of the critical features you should pay attention to when looking for a safety helmet to use on the construction site. Some of these features include:
1. The hazard at the workplace
Different workplaces will have different hazards. For instance, if you work in a construction site, you should ensure that the helmet is able to protect your head from falling objects, while you work. On other hand, if you work in an area that has electrical hazards, your helmet should be well-equipped to caution from this risk.
In any construction site, you are likely to encounter electrical shocks from time to time. Therefore, your helmet should not only protect your head from falling objects but also risks such as electrical shock.
2. Type of helmet
Besides the hazards at the workplace, you should pay attention to the type of helmet before choosing one. Is it a hard helmet or one that comes with a torch? In addition, you should check if the gear in question is a ratchet helmet or a ventilated one. Choosing wisely will go a long way in enhancing your safety and also your productivity levels. Ideally, the helmet of choice should match with the environment that one works in.
3. The color of the helmet
Although you might not pay attention to detail such as color when choosing a helmet, it matters a lot in the actual workplace setting. For instance, a white colored helmet will be ideal when you are working outdoor as it can reflect more heat than a dark one.
In addition, a brightly-colored helmet allows you to be spotted from a far. The good news is that most safety helmets are now fitted with retro-reflective adhesive taps that make the construction employee more visible even when he or she is working in a poorly lit environment.
See more: Hard Hat Color Meaning With Types & Classification
4. Is the safety helmet comfortable?
Comfort is very fundamental whenever one is working on a construction site. Since you might have to wear the safety helmet for longer hours, there is a need for you to ensure that the helmet is comfortable enough. It should fit well and should not be too bulky. Ideally, it should not too heavy as a bulky helmet will make you get fatigued fast.
5. Does it come with additional accessories?
Some additional appendages come with the safety helmet. For instance, a chin strap is an additional accessory that helps secure the helmet firmly in place. Ideally, your safety of choice should come with accessories such as a headlamp so that you can light up dark places on the construction site.
6. Price
Different safety helmets come at different prices. If you are looking for high-end models, you should ensure that you set a budget for them as you might have to dig deeper into your pocket. However, others come with discounts yet they have fancy features. You should go for such helmets and you will be able to save a dime in the long run.
Finally, ensure that your safety helmet is ANSI approved. This shows the helmet meets all the safety guidelines that will ensure that you get minimal or no risk as far as head injuries are concerned.
Final thoughts
A construction safety helmet is an indispensable personal protective gear that you must have at the workplace. Failure to have one can be likened to digging your own grave. The above-mentioned construction safety helmets are some of the best models you can choose out there. They come with incredible features that will ensure that you get maximum protection and comfort as you work. Also, the above-mentioned guide will help you choose a good helmet for your workplace. Invest in high quality safety helmets today and you will be safe and more productive in the construction workplace.