Following OSHA’s Lead: Why Type II Helmets Are Gaining Ground

You can’t afford to take shortcuts when it comes to head protection. But most traditional hard hats are only built to handle impact from above. They aren’t tested for hits to the sides or back of the head. That’s a serious gap, and the persistence of head injuries in industrial settings illustrates this shortcoming. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 6% of all nonfatal workplace injuries resulting in days away from work involve the head. Roughly 1 in 5 of those are the result of slips, trips, or falls, which are exactly the kinds of incidents where side and rear protection matter most.

When the impact comes from the side or back, whether from a trip, angled impact from falling equipment, or structural contact, it can result in serious injury. These hits can lead to concussions, memory loss, dizziness, or long-term cognitive issues. In extreme cases, they cause Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), requiring long recovery and, in some instances, resulting in permanent disability.

Without proper protection, one incident can change a life. And for employers, it leads to downtime, higher costs, and hard questions about whether the PPE in place is up to the task. That’s why more teams are shifting to Type II hard hats. In this article, you’ll learn what makes them different, why OSHA is taking notice, and why they should be considered in industrial environments.

Type I vs. Type II Head Protection

Not all hard hats offer the same level of protection. ANSI Z89.1 classifies hard hats into two main types based on impact protection: Type I and Type II. Each serves a different purpose based on how they’re tested, and the hazards they are certified to guard against.

Type I Hard Hats

Type I hard hats are designed to protect against impact to the top of the head only. They’re built to deflect vertical blows, like tools or materials falling from above. This is the most basic form of head protection, and it’s been the standard on job sites for decades.

These helmets are typically:

• Lighter in weight
• Simpler in design

However, Type I models are not tested for side or rear impact. They also usually lack chin straps, which means the helmet can shift or fall off during a slip, trip, or awkward movement. That’s a concern in dynamic or high-risk work areas.

Type II Safety Helmets

Type II hard hats are built for more comprehensive protection. They meet all the same top-impact requirements as Type I, but they also go through additional testing for impacts to the sides and back of the head.

Beyond expanded impact coverage, Type II hard hats often feature:

• Shell designs that offer a more enclosed fit
• Integrated or attachable chin straps to keep the helmet secure through slips and trips
• Advanced suspension systems that better absorb and distribute impact energy

The result is a helmet that offers better fit, stability, and performance across a wider range of jobsite hazards. Type II designs represent a step forward in how the industry is thinking about head protection, not just for what might fall from above, but for everything a worker might encounter around them.

Electrical Ratings

Hard hats are also rated by electrical performance under ANSI standards:

• Class G (General): Proof tested to 2,200 volts
• Class E (Electrical): Proof tested to 20,000 volts
• Class C (Conductive): Not intended to provide protection against electrical hazards

Type I and II helmets are available across all three classes, so workers in energized environments don’t have to sacrifice one type of protection for another. An electrician, for example, can wear a Class E Type II helmet and stay covered from both voltage hazards, impact, and even the suppressive force of an Arc Flash which can be enough to knock someone off their feet.

Why OSHA is Switching to Type II Hard Hats

OSHA has taken a clear step forward in its own safety practices. In 2023, OSHA announced that it would begin equipping its inspectors with Type II, Class G safety helmets. This move followed a thorough job hazard analysis and reflects OSHA’s growing recognition of the limitations of traditional hard hats, especially in hazardous industrial environments. 

OSHA isn’t mandating these helmets for all employers, but their bulletin does outline strong recommendations. For industries like construction, oil and gas, electrical work, and any job involving work at height or high-impact exposure, Type II helmets are advised. The bulletin also emphasizes the importance of choosing head protection that fits the specific hazards identified during a hazard analysis.

Even though this isn’t a regulatory change, OSHA is leading by example. By adopting Type II helmets and highlighting their advantages, the agency is sending a clear signal: traditional hard hats are not always protective enough to address the full spectrum of jobsite hazards. Type II safety helmets allow employers to better protect their employees from head injuries that continue to plague industrial environments.

How Enespro PPE Supports Safer, Smarter Head Protection

At Enespro, we’re committed to continuous innovation that leads to more comprehensive protection for electricians. As Type II safety helmets gain momentum in industrial markets for their enhanced impact protection—and with OSHA’s recent recommendations highlighting their advantages—we recognized the need to evolve arc flash PPE to keep pace.

The result is the Enespro 12 Cal Hover XTR™ Series Faceshield Kit, designed to work seamlessly with a Type II safety helmet. This integrated solution helps workers stay protected from traumatic head injuries while maintaining trusted arc flash defense.

With this kit, electrical professionals don’t have to compromise. You get:

• Enhanced Impact Protection: Type II safety helmet certified to protect against top, front, lateral, and rear impact
• Optical Precision: Highly Transparent nanoparticle lens provides full- spectrum color recognition
• Exceptional Visual Clarity: Innovative Toric shape reduces glare and visual distortion
• Increased Coverage and Field of View: Transparent chin cup and wider Toric shield extends peripheral vision and improves situational awareness

Explore the Hover XTR Series Faceshield Kit