How to Choose the Right Type I or Type II Head Protection

OSHA’s updated guidance highlights the importance of hazard assessments when selecting head protection. Here are five key steps to help employers choose the right helmet type, electrical class, and accessories for their worksite risks.

• By Kevin Kurkowski
• Feb 27, 2026

Choosing the proper Type I or Type II head protection often requires considering several key factors, including OSHA guidelines, the unique hazards of your jobsite and application, and special concerns such as heat stress and rotational motion.

Let’s start with the latest from OSHA’s “Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace” Safety and Health Information Bulletin.

OSHA Head Protection Guidelines

OSHA released an updated version of its “Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace” SHIB in April 2024, stating, “With a thorough understanding of the benefits and capabilities of head protection options, employers and workers can make informed decisions on selection and use.” (1).

OSHA recognizes two Types (impact) and three Classes (electrical) of head protection:

• Type I head protection offering protection from impacts to the top of the head.
• Type II head protection offering protection from impacts to the top and sides of the head
• Class G (General) head protection designed to help reduce exposure to low voltage conductors and proof tested at 2,200 volts (phase to ground).
• Class E (Electrical) head protection designed to help reduce exposure to higher voltage conductors and proof tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground).
• Class C (Conductive) head protection not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical hazards.

According to the SHIB, accessories (chinstraps, face shields, eye protection, and hearing protection) may also be considered as options to help address specific jobsite and application hazards and concerns.

OSHA notes that “modern head protection, whether it’s a safety helmet or a hard hat, varies in styles and levels of protection, allowing employers and workers to choose head protection appropriate for the job.” (1). OSHA continues that “Employers must conduct a hazard assessment at their job site and, based on the workplace hazards, determine whether head protection is necessary and, if so, the most appropriate type.” (1).

How to Conduct a Hazard Assessment: 5 Key Steps

Here are five key steps you may want to include in your hazard assessment:

1. Understand the Application and Potential Hazards
The first is to fully understand the work environment and the specific risks workers may encounter. Ask questions such as:

• Is the work being done at height or in a confined space?
• Are there nearby electrical hazards?
• Will workers be exposed to extreme temperatures or weather conditions?
• Is there potential for chemical splashes or welding sparks?
• What are the risks of falling objects or lateral impacts?

2. Determine Electrical Classification and Style
Based on the hazards identified, the next step is to determine the appropriate electrical classification and style of head protection:

• Electrical Classification: Head Protection options fall within the following classes based on protection from electrical hazards:
• Class C (Conductive – no electrical protection),
• Class G (General – up to 2,200 volts), or    
• Class E (Electrical – up to 20,000 volts).

Remember that if workers require protection from electrical hazards, a non-vented hard hat or safety helmet is needed.

• Helmet Style: Think about the work setting, along with worker preference in terms of look and style. Consider questions such as:
• Do workers require brimless helmets for climbing or confined spaces?
• Or is a full brim more beneficial for falling debris and/or sun protection during outdoor work?

3. Comply with Industry Standards and Requirements
Identify which standards apply for impact resistance and direction based on your region and industry. Currently, hard hats and safety helmets fall under either Type I or Type II based on ANSI and CSA standards:

• ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 (U.S.) and CSA Z94.1 (Canada):
• Type I: Designed to reduce force as a result of an impact to ONLY the top of the head.
• Type II: Designed to reduce force as a result of an impact to the front, back, sides, and top of the head.

• EN12492 (Europe): EN12492 may be relevant in climbing or technical rescue scenarios. Safety helmets certified to EN12492 (the mountaineering/climbing standard) feature a slightly expanded top impact-protection zone compared to traditional helmets. While EN12492-certified helmets offer additional top impact protection compared to ANSI Type I industrial helmets, they are not equivalent to ANSI Type II helmets, which are specifically designed to provide lateral (side) impact protection. Therefore, EN 12492 does not meet the same side-impact criteria as ANSI Type II standards.

Before choosing a hard hat or safety helmet, check that it meets the appropriate protection requirements for the application. If lateral protection is required, choose a Type II-certified helmet.

4. Consider Additional Head, Eye, Face, and Hearing Protection Accessories
Depending on the work environment and application, workers may require accessories. Ask questions such as:

• Does the worker require face protection from impact, glare, UV exposure, or other hazards, such as radiant heat, arc flash, and splash? Options such as visors can accommodate these types of applications.
• What specific eye protection is needed? Consider options for eyewear including anti-fog/anti-scratch, integrated spectacles, and over-spectacles for those wearing prescription eyewear.
• Is the worker in a high-noise environment where hearing protection is needed? Helmet-mounted muffs are available for both cap- and hat-style hard hats.

One important note is to check whether each accessory has been tested and approved for use on the hard hat or safety helmet selected. Many manufacturers will recommend that you use only approved accessories on their hard hats to ensure that they have been tested to work as a system and the installation of that accessory will not impact the performance of the hard hat or helmet and vice versa.

5. Evaluate Additional Considerations
Finally, look beyond the obvious hazards. Additional factors can influence your choice of head protection:

• Heat Stress
• Rotational Impact Protection
• Third-Party Certification
• Worker comfort and compliance
• Customization with logos and stripes

A Deeper Dive on Special Concerns

If, based on your hazard assessment, you determine that special concerns such as heat stress or rotational motion are relevant, it’s important to also understand some of the latest innovations and PPE testing methods used in the industry.

Heat Stress. Some of the latest materials and design features addressing heat stress include:

• Thermal Barrier Technology: A thermal barrier is one of the newest technologies in head protection PPE to help manage worker heat stress in outdoor, sunny conditions. The major benefit is that it can help to keep the inside of a hard hat cooler than those without this technology by reflecting infrared energy from the sun away from the wearer’s head; some products available today can actually stay up to 20°F cooler with this thermal barrier compared to those without. The way it functions is similar to that of a reflective screen in a car windshield or reflective liner in a home attic.

• Evaporative Cooling Fabric: Ideal for PPE such as crown coolers or neck shades that are typically worn underneath a hard hat or safety helmet, this type of material absorbs and releases water within the multi-layered material to help provide hours of cooling relief. Simply soak the crown cooler or neck shade made with this fabric briefly in cool tap water prior to use.

• Moisture-Wicking Sweatbands: Sweat accumulation can exacerbate heat stress and worker discomfort; moisture-wicking sweatbands can help manage perspiration. Look for a hard hat or safety helmet with a premium moisture-wicking sweatband and breathable foam padding for added comfort and sweat management.

Rotational Motion. It has been shown that rotational motion of the head in industrial work settings can potentially lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) (2-5). But testing for rotational motion is complex and requires purpose-built equipment and a setup that allows the head form to move as realistically as possible. There are several aspects to consider when choosing a test protocol, including test setup, impact direction, test head, what to measure, impact angle, and whether to include a neck.

When choosing a solution to provide enhanced protection in the event of angled impacts, look for a manufacturer or brand with years of experience managing angled impacts to the head and a team of engineers and PhDs dedicated to developing head protection safety solutions.

Final Considerations for Selecting Head Protection

Please note that this article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal or regulatory advice. Your worksite or application may have additional or different considerations or obligations under applicable regulations. As a final reminder, it is important to inspect your PPE prior to each use and throughout the day, and always follow manufacturer instructions and warnings. Damage can occur without notice and compromise the protection capabilities. Any hard hat or safety helmet that has been severely struck should be removed from service immediately and replaced. Even if it appears to be in good condition, an impact can cause invisible damage that compromises the integrity of the hard hat or safety helmet.

References:

• https://tinyurl.com/yxauyjan
• Meaney et al. J of Biomechanical Engineering 2014
• Holbourn, A. H. S. British Medical Bulletin 1945
• Holbourn, A.H.S. Lancet 1943
• Gennarelli, T. A., et al STAPP 1972

This article originally appeared in the February/March 2026 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.