Climbing Style Safety Helmets: Is It Time to Make the Switch?

Over the last 24 months or so, we have seen many of our vendors beginning to offer climbing style helmets, also called safety helmets. While this new option has entered the market, we have had many conversations with clients about whether they will introduce safety helmets to their safety program. As is the case with any major change to routine, some are excited about the new option and others are very against moving away from traditional hard hats. At the end of 2023, OSHA put out a bulletin detailing the benefits to using safety helmets rather than hard hats and announced that their employees would be making this switch.

So what is the argument for climbing style/safety helmets instead of traditional hard hats? According to OSHA, the materials used in these helmets “enhance impact resistance but also reduce the overall weight of the helmet, reducing neck strain and improving comfort during extended use” (Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace, 2023). Additionally, the strap included in the design of these helmets allows for the helmet to remain in place in case of a fall or other incident that may result in a traditional hard hat falling off.

We have seen safety helmets being offered by three of our suppliers; Global Glove, Pyramex, and Radians. Each offering their own accessories, including attachable hearing protection, goggles, and face shields. As more options enter the market, we know that functionality for the wearer will continue to improve and many will choose to make the switch. Currently, each of the climbing style helmets offered by our vendors are rated as Type I, which means they are designed to protect the top of the head but not the sides. Occupational Health & Safety also notes that “both Type I and Type II hats are subject to penetration testing, but Type I styles are only tested at a single position, compared to Type II hats, which are also subjected to an off-center penetration test” (The Protection Misconception Surrounding Climbing Helmets; Matejka, 2020).

Whether climbing style safety helmets will become the standard remains to be seen, but we will continue to keep an eye on this trend as it develops. Have you considered making the switch?

Resources:

OSHA Safety & Health Information Bulletin: Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace, November 22, 2023

OSHA Trade Release: OSHA announces switch from traditional hard hats to safety helmets to protect agency employees from head injuries better, December 11, 2023

Occupational Health & Safety: The Protection Misconception Surrounding Climbing Helmets, Kurt Matejka, February 1, 2020